Mark moved around the kitchen, getting everything ready. He’d already gone to Oregon to visit the coven and tell them what had happened with the doppelgangers.
They were shocked, appalled, and in the end, apologized for how they’d shunned him. They tried to convince him to come back.
His answer, nope, not happening. He didn’t feel like he knew any of them. Kindra was going with Morrigan, wherever that was. But he knew she’d be around. That was fine. He wouldn’t have to deal with her constantly.
Cora moved in with Druciela, and he didn’t mind her being close. In fact, he hoped he would run in into her often. She had been a good friend, and he hoped they could get that back. And Valen would be there soon.
Clint leaned against the counter. “So, your kid, did you realize he’s a carpenter?”
Mark glanced up. “What are you talking about?”
“I looked up Valen Woeller. He’s a carpenter. A damned good one. And if he’s moving out here, well, we could use a carpenter.”
Mark froze, his head cocked. “Why are you looking into my kid?”
“Well, I didn’t get the chance to meet him yet, and I wanted to.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Probably why I’m stalling.”
“Right, well, that’s okay. He’ll be here soon. I hope he doesn’t wind up hating me.”
“Why would he?” Clint asked.
Mark shrugged. “I don’t know. He wasn’t around me growing up. What if I’m not what he wants in his life?”
“Oh, I have a feeling you are. You’re that guy who would give your shirt off your back to help someone out. Who wouldn’t want a dad like that?”
Mark rolled his eyes.
“You did save the bitch who nearly killed you.”
“Don’t remind me.”
“But it was the right thing to do,” Clint pointed out.
“Yeah, doesn’t make it feel any better, but she is Valen’s mom, and she was brainwashed.”
The doorbell rang.
Gina ran down the stairs. “I got it.”
Mark was already moving to the living room where she threw open the door and hugged Valen, who laughed.
He ducked his head with a grin. “Hey, Gina. Dad. This is Melanie.” Stepping back, he put an arm around his wife.”
“Oh, you’re cute together,” Gina blurted out.
Mark chuckled. “Come in. It’s a pleasure.” He took Melanie’s shoulders, then hugged her. Strawberry blond hair, green eyes, and freckles. She stood at about Valen’s height and wore a beaming smile.
“I have to say, I already like you better than Anders-Gerard, whoever he was.”
Mark grinned. “I’m glad.”
“Me too,” Valen answered.
Gina took Melanie’s arm and brought her toward the kitchen.
Clint cleared his throat. “Hey.”
Mark nodded to one of his closest friends. “This is my business partner, Clint. In fact, he mentioned you’re a carpenter.”
Valen held his hand out to Clint. “A pleasure.”
“All mine, and if you’re looking for work out this way, we could keep you busy.”
“I’m told you all build houses,” Valen answered. “I’m sure we can arrange something.”
“I’m so happy,” Gina said. “I really do hope you both move closer to here.”
“We’re looking for a house, so it’s very possible. But I’ll leave it up to Melanie, who is my world.”
“Edenton is beautiful. And if it will make you happy to be closer to a man worthy to be your father, I’m more than happy to be here,” Melanie answered.
Mark glanced at Clint. “Are you staying for dinner?”
He glanced at his watch. “Nope, Emily will be home soon. I just wanted to meet Valen.” He waved and hurried out the door.
Valen turned to Mark. “He seems cool.”
“He’s a good friend.” He glanced at Gina and back.
Gina nodded. “One of the best. Come, eat. Mark has been cooking all day.”