Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
Rowan’s defense sends a stream of love and gratitude dashing through me. I sit up, the numbness and hurt fading.
Then my mom does something so rare, I can’t remember the last time it happened.
She breaks down. Her hands go to her face, shoulders drooping, and body quaking. A quiet sob escapes. “I know! I’ve been trying to apologize and you won’t take my calls.”
Her outburst is completely out of character.
I’m not sure exactly what to do, but I have to get this under control before it becomes more drama. “Stacy, you called me a handful of times in the last few weeks. We haven’t spoken in a year. Why would I answer?”
At my use of her formal name, her cry deepens. “I’m your mom.”
“This is true, but being a mom isn’t a selective choice. It’s not like one of your handbags that complements your outfit best. You chose Rylee.”
She shakes her head, taking the napkin Rowan offers. “I didn’t. It may seem like that, but I didn’t. My life is in shambles because I didn’t—”
“Not fucking happening.” A deafening voice has me twirling right into the hard wall of Talon’s chest. His hands come to my neck and tilt it upward. “You okay?”
I want to tell him I’m fine, especially now that he’s here, but the absolute ferocious rage in his features has me shivering. His eyes relax a bit and he kisses me quicky before focusing over my shoulder.
“Want to explain why you’re bawling when you brought this shit on yourself? Your life is far from in shambles. Karma is a bitch and you feeling the sting is no one’s problem but your own.”
“Sterling?” Mom’s weary voice is a plea.
“Talon, we discussed keeping this civil.”
“That was before I walked into a woman sniveling about her poor life choices and backing Willow into a corner, forced to listen to that bullshit. Willow wants to hear her out, it’s on her terms.”
I link my fingers with his, lowering them from my neck. Stacy may not be my problem, but It’s best to move this along before Talon verbally annihilates her. I face them, keeping in Talon’s hold. Ford is next to Rowan, his face terse and alert.
Everyone is waiting for my lead.
“I appreciate trying to shield me from the next melodramatic episode in what has become the season of Willow Richards’ life, but you’ve had your macho-man powwow and it’s time to explain the reason for this little family visit.”
I’m pretty proud of the strength in my voice. Talon squeezes my hand and places his mouth at my ear. “Macho-man powwow?”
“Don’t distract me, Talon Simms.” Last time I was in any room with my mother, I was a crumbling mess. No room for diversions now.
She picks up on my determination, dabbing her cheeks and scanning everyone in the room. “Apologies for my emotional eruption. Sterling, what have you shared?”
“Everything,” he states, jutting his chin to Talon. “Not worth the headache of this guy.”
“When it involves Willow, I’m your first call.”
Mom’s eyes glint before she dips her chin with a little grin. Was that approval?
“Wynn came to Sterling and Stacy this week. He’s made a proposition.”
It wouldn’t be weird for Joseph to approach Mom. She was supportive of his relationship. But to Dad? “What kind of proposition?”
His anger has subsided. Not sure if it was my powwow comment or the fact I’m in his grip. “He’s asked they split Rylee’s balance so he doesn’t have to take the full hit. He’s suggested they use the wedding fund toward her debt.”
“Guess that makes sense. But it means he’s decided to call off the wedding and not just postpone the engagement. Is that why he showed at my house out of the blue? Was he expecting my forgiveness or my sympathy?”
“He’s worried. Said Rylee has been irrational and blames you.”
“Me? For what? She’s had every opportunity I did. Not to mention, she was sleeping with my boyfriend before we broke up!”
“You always had everything she wanted,” Mom offers remorsefully. “We didn’t help with spoiling her the way we did.”
Dad stares at her with sorrow and something so painful my heart aches. He still loves her and he’s hurting.
She draws in a breath and focuses on the napkin she’s picking at. “She didn’t expect you to come to her wedding, but insisted on sending the save-the-date. She reached out to Chase, and he refused her request for Wyatt to be in the ceremony. Lynden and Rosie have been cutting her out. The day we saw Bex in the mall,” she stalls, her mind spinning in a way I know from growing up that she’s regrouping. “Let’s just say, seeing Bex made her realize she wasn’t getting her way.”
“I guess we now know why she’s placed the blame on me. Dad, what are you thinking?” I question him, knowing this is ultimately his decision.