Chapter 13
Liberty sat in front of her laptop at the kitchen table. Gabriel had passed out minutes after Jameson and his friend left. Gabriel had been a little dehydrated but, otherwise, physically fine.
But the emotional scars would last a lifetime.
Miles stood behind her with his hands firmly planted on her shoulders, massaging gently. Somehow, he’d become her rock. There was no way she’d be able to handle any of this without his kindness or support.
Her fingers hovered over the keyboard. She stared at her father’s email. The first one had an attachment from an email she used when she first met Charlie. But he talked her into getting a new one. A Livingston one.
The second email had an attachment from that email.
“Here goes nothing.” She opened the email and then the attachment.
“Dad,” she began reading out loud.
“I appreciate the money. Thank you. However, you should know I’m dating Charlie Livingston and things are serious. Interesting turn of events, isn’t it? Anyway, that doesn’t change what you did and I certainly don’t forgive you. Call me selfish, but I want that money. For Gabriel. However, I’ve moved and changed banks. Here is the new routing numbers. Please start making those monthly payments there. And know the money is going to take care of Gabriel. His education. His needs.
Liberty.”
“I never fucking wrote that.” She let out a long breath. “It doesn’t even sound like me.”
“Nope. It does not.”
“How could my father even think it was or that I’d need his money if I was marrying that fucking asshole?”
“Guilt makes people do and believe strange things. Trust me. We watched my parents behave in all sorts of weird ways while they lied to us about Jameson’s paternity.” Miles waved his finger over the screen. “Keep reading.”
“Liberty,
Wow. I’m not even sure what to say. Congratulations. Although, I’m shocked that you would have any kind of romantic involvement with Charlie Livingston. Besides you not wanting anything to do with that kind of lifestyle, the boy is a bit of an idiot. I can’t tell you how many times his grandfather or I have had to bail him out of a bad business decision, but maybe he’s grown up. It can happen. But I doubt it when it comes to Charlie because, well, you may not know this, but I own the majority of Livingston Development. Very long story that I’m not sure you’re ready for and if you were, I’d keep that information to yourself. Unless you need it to protect yourself and Gabriel. The money will start showing up in the new bank account next month. I’m sorry about what I did. But the note explained it all. If you ever want to talk about that, I’m here.
No matter what, I’ll always be your dad where it mattered.”
“What the fuck does that mean?” She glanced over her shoulder. As if being her father was more important in certain areas of her life than others.
“Unfortunately, I believe I know the answer,” Miles mumbled, pulling up a chair. “Is there any more in that email chain?”
“Just one stating that I will no longer be using that addy and directing him to a new one.”
“All right, open the next one.” Miles waved his hand over the keyboard.
She inhaled sharply, clicking on the next email from her father.
“My Dearest Liberty,
It’s been a long time since you’ve reached out. I don’t blame you. I wouldn’t want to speak to me either after everything. I guess I’m just surprised that you didn’t have questions for me after what I told you in that note. I recently learned that you’re getting a divorce from Charlie, so I’d like to know where to send the money. It’s for you and Gabriel, no one else. Again, if you ever want to talk about things, let me know.
Oh, your mother and I are divorced.
Your dad. Where it matters.”
She scrolled down the attachment.
“Dad,
Here’s the new account. I would have reached out with that when it was time. Outside of you doing what is financially right, we have nothing to say to one another.
Liberty.”
“Well, outside of one word, that does sound like me.” She let out a dry chuckle. “There’s one more response from my father and then nothing.”
Miles scooted closer. “This isn’t going to be easier to hear.”
“Yeah. I’ve gathered. I’m just not sure what he’s going to say, except I know I’m not going to like it.” She tapped the arrow down button.
“Liberty,
You are NOT your mother’s daughter. You might not be mine biologically?—”
Liberty covered her mouth and gasped.
“You really didn’t expect that?” Miles ran his hand up and down her arm.
“Absolutely not and it makes all of this even more confusing.”
Miles kissed her temple. “My gut tells me that whenever he found out, he did what he could to protect you, even if it doesn’t feel that way.” Miles arched a brow. “Keep reading.”
She blinked. Tears filled her eyes. Of all the things she expected, this wasn’t it. But Miles was right there with her and he knew. He sensed things. Even if he didn’t want to believe how smart he really was, she valued his insight and would be lost without it.
“You might not be mine biologically, but I did raise you for twenty years. I was the one who drove you to school every day. I was the one who went to your tennis matches and supported you when you wanted to quit. I was the one who tucked you in at night and I was there for you in the hospital when you had your appendix out. Not your mother. Me. And I did it because I loved you. I still do and yes, I do get I had a shit way of showing it when I up and left. But understand this. I didn’t leave you when you were nine and I learned you weren’t mine. No. I stayed because in every way that mattered, I was your father. However, you’ve already heard this because you read it in that note but have chosen not to respond.”
“I never got the note, Daddy,” she managed behind a guttural sob.
“Do you want to take a break?” Miles held her close. God, she’d be mad without his strength. His wisdom.
Dare she even think it?
His love.
Whatever it was, she needed Miles and she wasn’t going to let go.
“No. I need to finish this.” She blew out another puff of air.
“You know what, maybe you need to hear this story again and perhaps now that I’ve finally left your mother, I need to tell it. So, here we go. I was going to divorce your mother when I learned she’d had an affair and that you might not be mine. I had confronted her, and she denied it all. A few months later, after I had proof of the affair and had secretly done a paternity test between you and me, I told her I was leaving her. She informed me she was pregnant with Gabriel. My heart sank. I didn’t know if he was mine or not, but again, it didn’t matter. I wasn’t going to let her take him from me. So, I stayed in what had to be the worst marriage ever and I can only imagine what that was like for you and Gabriel. Apologizing to you now wouldn’t be enough, though I am sorry.
Once it was clear that Gabriel was special, your mother essentially walked away from both you kids. I know that it feels like it was easy for me to do the same, but it wasn’t. I made the decision to leave your mother and I was working on an exit strategy. Part of that included ripping up the proof of your paternity. I was your dad and I loved you. I wasn’t going to let her take that away from me, but she won and I wasn’t man enough to fight her because in a court of law, I probably would have lost Gabriel.
Why, you ask?
First things first.
You see, when I told her my plans, she informed me of who your biological father was and she was ready to tell you. She was ready to hurt you, to get to me. But I was willing to deal with that. I figured over time, you might want to still have a relationship with me, because it wasn’t my fault for what your mother did. When I told her to go ahead and tell you, your mom went for the jugular. She told me she’d fight me for custody of Gabriel. She was technically a stay-at-home mom and I was the workaholic dad who was emotionally abusive because she’d had an affair a long time ago. That I’d never forgiven her and I abused her. I also deprived Gabriel of the love and support he needed and she had the proof. All the staff that had been fired. All lies, but the emails came from an account that had my name on it because she was that good of a manipulator.
I spoke to my attorney, but he told me it would be an uphill battle. That I’d have to put Gabriel through the wringer to prove I was the better parent. I didn’t want to do that to him. I decided it was better for you kids to hate me and have each other than go through the mess that your mother would have done to us all.
But I wanted you to have the truth, which is why I left the note. I knew you’d never do anything with it because it would have hurt Gabriel. But for some reason, I don’t know why, I thought maybe you might have at least spoken to me about it. Given me a little credit for trying to protect you, even if I was a dick about how I did it. Okay. There. It’s out in the open. Do with it what you want. Know that I’ve never stopped loving you. I think about you and Gabriel every day. I get that makes up for nothing. I hope you do well without Charlie in your life. He’s a jerk and you can do much better than him.
Love, your dad.”
“That’s a lot,” Miles whispered.
“There’s another one, supposedly from me dated almost three months ago stating that Charlie and I were working on our fucking relationship,” she said with her heart in her throat. “Charlie played my father. He manipulated both of us, driving that wedge even deeper.” She pushed the computer to the side, dropped her head to the counter, and sobbed. It was guttural, out of control, and there was no stopping it. She didn’t know if she felt sadness, pain, anger, or this was a simple purging of years of not knowing or understanding.
All she knew was that the man who pulled her to his chest and ran his fingers through her hair adored her more than any other human could.
Miles understood her wants, needs, and desires before she did half the time. He was the sand to her ocean.
He was hers to hold when she needed comfort and right now, she needed it more than ever.
“Let it all out, babe.” Miles lifted her into his arms and carried her to the family room where he eased onto the sofa, still holding her in his lap. His hands ran up and down her arms. His lips kissed her temple. Her forehead. Her neck. He whispered kind, loving words in her ear.
There was no judgment.
No words telling her what she should or shouldn’t do. He was just there.
“I don’t know how to respond to any of this,” she whispered.
“Do you want a little piece of advice?”
She lifted her head and stared into his soft ocean-colored eyes. “Yes.”
“Don’t do anything with it right now.” He traced her jawline with his finger. “When Jameson found out the truth, he basically cut my mom out of his life. He barely spoke to any of us unless he had to. While he had every right to be angry, he held our mother to the fire more so than our dad, who lied to his face every day.”
“But it was your mother who cheated.”
Miles nodded. “However, that wasn’t on Jameson. Or on us. That was between my parents. Granted, it produced a child, my brother and one of my best friends. But at the end of the day, we’re all now glad it happened.” Miles shifted, pulling his cell out and glancing at the screen. “Your father just rolled into town. I can tell him to meet at my house or at the café if you’re not up for this.” He lifted her chin. “I need to ask him some questions that might help my mother nail Charlie.”
“How come we haven’t heard from her yet?”
“Because she hasn’t found Charlie, which makes me nervous,” Miles said. “And because she put Emmerson in a car outside your house.”
“What about Rumor? Emmerson should be with his wife.”
Miles palmed her cheek. “I’m sure Rumor kicked his sorry ass out of her hospital room and told him to go take care of the rest of our family.”
“I’m not family,” she whispered.
He chuckled. “Today, you and Gabriel are. That’s how the Kirbys roll and right now, you’re stuck with the lot of us.” He waved the cell. “What do you want me to tell your dad?”
“To meet at your place,” she said. “But I want to check on Gabriel and take a few moments alone to collect myself.”
“Are you sure?” He lowered his chin. “If you change your mind and want me to handle it all, I can do that. Just text me and let me know.”
“I won’t back out. However, if I don’t take a little time, I might come in hot and that’s not going to get me any of the answers I need. Both for me and Gabriel, and for what your mom needs to make sure my asshole ex-husband goes to prison.” She pushed from his warm embrace and stood. “It’s time to end this madness once and for all. It’s the only way I’ll ever be able to stand on my own two feet.”
“I’ll see you shortly.” Miles kissed her so sweetly she melted in his arms.
It was the kind of kiss that told a woman she would be loved and protected for the rest of her life. It was a kiss laced with the promise of a future. A kiss filled with the truth of what real love was all about.
It was a kiss that glowed in the dark, showing her safe passage home.
Miles had felt like an outcast and misfit his entire life, except when he was in the auto shop. That’s where he shined. He knew his way around any engine. Any vehicle. Whether that be a car, a truck, a motorcycle, or even a boat. Granted, he couldn’t read an owner’s manual to save his ass, but he didn’t need to. Not anymore.
An engine was second nature.
It was home.
Spending time with billionaires who dealt with spreadsheets, stock quotes, and did million-dollar deals on a daily basis, well, that gave him fucking heartburn.
He popped two Tums and stared at the bottle of bourbon on his counter.
Nope. That wasn’t the way to deal with this situation.
Trust your gut. Your instincts. Once you have the information, you process it better than anyone I’ve met. You can debate anyone in open court if you had to. Stop the internal dialogue that plagued your childhood and dump what Trixi’s father did and you will have all that you desire.
Those were his dad’s words.
Good enough.
His mother’s words.
Whatever she meant by that.
Flunked sophomore English twice. With the same teacher. Bombed the SATs. Won’t get into college. He’d be lucky to be a garbage collector.
Those had been his guidance counselor’s words to his mother and that had been the day she agreed to let him go to trade school. No one tells her that one of her kids wasn’t going to amount to much.
But she had to go and tell him to work harder. To prove that idiot wrong.
Not the right pep talk at the time.
However, thinking about it now, she was right. And he’d done it. He proved them all wrong and he’d done something he could be proud of. All those assholes who put him down now came to him when their vehicles didn’t work. Or they got into a fender bender. He was the best money could buy and they all knew it.
He wasn’t good enough, yet he was the best in his chosen field.
But that’s when his mind went down that twisty road of not being good enough for any woman. For a family.
He tapped his chest. His heart was telling him something else completely. Two people right now were relying on him not to fuck up.
Ding-dong.
Shit.
He strolled to the front of the house and pulled open the door. The man who stood before him was a little over six feet and looked almost exactly like Gabriel. It was uncanny.
“You must be Miles,” Harvey Blue said. He held a dark backpack in his hand.
Miles stretched out his arm, taking Harvey’s hand in a firm shake.
“Where’s Liberty?” Harvey asked.
“Next door making sure Gabriel is asleep.” Miles waved Harvey inside. “Can I get you a drink?”
“If you have some scotch, I’ll take that on the rocks. Otherwise, a beer would do the trick.”
“Follow me.” Miles made his way to the kitchen and found a bottle of scotch. He poured three fingers and then went for the bourbon. He might as well join the man.
Harvey set his bag on the counter and eased onto one of the stools at the island. “My daughter has an infinity for good bourbon.” He laughed. “When she was seventeen, she and her boyfriend at the time stole a bottle from my liquor cabinet and proceeded to get shit-faced. She puked her guts out and had the worst hangover. I made her suffer all day by playing loud music and forcing her to do chores around the house. I thought maybe it would teach her a lesson, but not my Liberty. That child had a rebellious streak a mile long.”
“And she still likes bourbon.” Miles raised his drink. “But in the short time I’ve known her, I can’t say I’ve ever seen her hammered.”
“Whenever she had to take care of her brother, she was a good kid. I know this is going to sound strange coming from me as I figure you know the whole sordid tale.” Harvey took a slow draw from his drink. “But I tried not to make her Gabriel’s caretaker when she was a kid. My ex-wife didn’t want Gabriel leaving the house, so I hired professionals to come in to help. People who worked with kids on the spectrum. We weren’t equipped to deal with it and Liberty was just a child herself. But Robin would always fire the help and make Liberty handle Gabriel. Fucking broke my heart.”
“None of this is any of my business and I honestly don’t want to talk about this behind her back. I’m seriously trying not to judge you, but you were the parent. You chose those things. They did not.”
“Trust me, you’re not telling me anything I don’t know or haven’t lived with all these years.” Harvey rested his hands on the counter and held Miles’ stare. “This might piss you off, but I wanted to know what I was walking into, so I had my assistant check you out.”
“That does annoy me,” Miles said.
“Well, all Sandra found was a good man with a solid family.” He placed his hand over his backpack. “And truthfully, the only reason I did it was because I didn’t want to make the same mistake twice. I knew Charlie was an asshole. There are reasons why I own more of that company and he’ll never get it. His father was pissed when I made that deal with Charlie’s grandfather, but it was the only way to save Livingston Development.” Harvey pulled out a stack of documents. “You can read the deal for yourself.” He pushed them across the counter.
Miles took a healthy swig of his bourbon, letting the wood flavor settle on his tongue before swallowing. He glanced at the papers. The sentences jumbled together like a broken jigsaw puzzle with more than half the pieces missing. He could make out a few words here and there. He tapped his finger on the page, trying to make sense of it, but the longer he stared at it, the more his anxiety kicked in, making it worse.
He sighed. “I’m sorry, sir. But either you’re going to have to read this to me or explain it.”
“Well, son. I can explain it, but I sure as shit can’t read it.” Harvey chuckled. “I’m fucking dyslexic. Can’t read a word on that page. It’s a damn miracle I even graduated high school. My father used to call me the dumber of dumb and dumber. And my mom was even worse.” He shook his head. “I’ll never forget the day I made my first million and bought them a house. The look on my dad’s face was classic. His dumbass kid who couldn’t read had made it.”
“How do they treat you now?” Miles’ heart beat in the center of his throat. He’d met other people like him and most struggled like he did. But he’d never met anyone who’d become a billionaire.
“My dad passed away a few years ago and my mom, well, she likes my money and I take care of her, but it’s a strained relationship in part because of my ex-wife and in part because of what I did when I abandoned my kids.” Harvey’s shoulders slumped and he kicked back half of his drink. “I can’t believe I’m sitting here about to see Liberty after all these years. I’ve thought so long and hard about what I would say to her and now that it’s about to happen, I’ve got nothing.”
“If it makes you feel any better, I believe Liberty is feeling about the same way.”
“I’m sure she’ll come in with some pretty colorful language and a lot of anger. All of which I deserve.” Harvey ran his hand over his mouth. “I can live with her never forgiving me because I don’t expect it and that’s not why I’m here. But what I can’t live with is sitting around doing nothing anymore. I should have warned her about Charlie, but I didn’t know she wasn’t getting the money or hadn’t read my notes. If I had known that… I would have done so many things differently.” He lifted his tumbler. “I know money doesn’t make up for shit. But at the time it was all I thought I had.”
The sound of the front door opening caught Miles’ attention.
Harvey glanced over his shoulder. “I’m not sure I’m ready for this.” He downed the last drop of his drink.
Ready or not, it was time to clear up the past, nail Charlie to the wall, and give Liberty, Gabriel, and even Harvey some peace.