Chapter 26
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
NATE
There’s a moment before hell breaks loose. A breath where reality hangs, suspended. This is that moment.
Mackenzie’s voice is low and tight. “What did you call me?”
Her face is flushed, eyes red-rimmed. She fists her hands at her side and looks one second away from decking him. And honestly? I wouldn’t stop her. Of all the insults Jordan could’ve thrown, he picked that one. The same derogatory word Ethan used against her.
If it weren’t for Nick gripping my leg, wide-eyed as he watches this unfold, I’d have my own fists at the ready.
Jordan exhales like he’s the one being inconvenienced. “You’re being ridiculous. It’s just a bike. He’s eleven years old now. It’s time you quit coddling him.”
“Coddling?” Mackenzie echoes, voice sharp. “How is not letting him have a dirtbike coddling him? I’m trying to protect him.”
“He’s not your little egg to roost on anymore. Let him be a man.”
Her laugh is humorless. “How is Liam getting on a deathtrap being ‘a man’?” She throws up mocking air quotes, practically vibrating with rage.
Nick grips my leg tighter as if sensing the crackling storm in his mother’s voice. Despite carrying the weight of a clinging six-year- old, I step forward, but Mackenzie’s mom places a hand on my chest, stopping me. I can’t believe this is happening. So much for coming clean with my lies tonight. I certainly can’t tell her after this.
Jordan doesn’t stop. “It teaches him to take risks in life. He’s not learning life lessons being cooped up in the house all day.”
“He isn’t cooped up all day. He’s in sports. He goes to school?—”
“All stuff for little pussies,” Jordan interrupts. “Let him have fun for once. What’s driving a dirtbike going to do? Nothing bad is going to happen.”
“That isn’t your call to make.”
“You’re being ridiculous. Let the kid live a little.”
Mackenzie’s following words slice through the air like a blade.
“I’ve already buried one family member. I’m not burying another one.”
The world stops.
A sharp inhale, then silence.
Jordan’s face falls. Even he knows he crossed a line.
But it’s the kids that wreck me.
Nick lets out a broken sob, his little body shaking against me. “I don’t want Liam to die, too.”
Damn. That one stings.
I lift him into my arms and press him close. “Hey, buddy, he’s not going anywhere. I promise.”
Mackenzie’s body deflates. Liam stands frozen as silent tears slide down his cheeks. Her gaze sweeps over all of us before landing on me. And in that moment, I see it—the exact second she reaches her breaking point. The fire in her eyes dims, replaced by something raw and exhausted.
I give her a small nod. A silent promise that I’ve got her back.
Her mom extends her arms to Liam. “Come here, honey.”
He hesitates, then moves toward her and collapses against her chest. I clear my throat, forcing down the knot swelling there. What I wouldn’t do to rewind time and fix every bad decision that led us here. The past can’t be undone. But maybe, just maybe, I can fix the future.
I shift Nick against my hip and glance at Mackenzie. “How about we do this the right way? I’ll get the proper safety gear, make sure the helmet fits, and find a class that teaches safety precautions?”
She exhales slowly, but her expression is unreadable. “I still don’t like it.” Her voice cracks, and it’s enough to rattle me. I hate seeing her in pain.
“I know, but if we start slow, with proper training, he’ll be safe.”
She frowns, but I can tell she’s contemplating the idea.
Liam wipes his face. “I promise I’ll listen, Mom.”
Behind me, I can feel Jordan’s glare drilling into my skull. I don’t know his problem with me, but I sure as hell know mine with him. The fucker deliberately defied Mackenzie’s wishes and ruined his nephew’s birthday just to prove a point. If I had my way, I’d dump his ass in the middle of Afghanistan and see how well he’d last. Probably not a day.
Mackenzie finally speaks. “I’ll agree if Nate finds a safety class, and you promise me no showboating.”
Liam’s face lights up. “Really?”
“Yes, but no riding until after lessons.”
“Alright. I promise!” He rushes to her and wraps his arms around her waist. She whispers something in his ear, and he nods solemnly. My heart swells. They split apart, and Liam runs over to the bike.
Nick wiggles out of my hold and darts toward Liam, his little face still puffy from crying. I exhale as the tension drains from my shoulders and move to stand by Mackenzie.
“Hey,” I say.
She gives me a sad smile. “I really messed that up, didn’t I?”
“No.” I shake my head. “Don’t you dare blame yourself. It was a dick move on your brother’s part.”
Her jaw tightens. “Yeah, but I let my temper get the best of me. I knew he’d pull something like this, and I still lost it.”
“You want what’s best for your kids. That’s not a bad thing.” I brush my fingers against hers. “They’re lucky to have you as a mom.”
A small smile tugs at her lips. “You always know what to say.”
I pull her up against me and whisper in her ear, “I also know what to do .”
That sexy little smirk curves her lips. “Oh, do you now?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“When later comes, I plan on testing that theory.”
I grin. “That’s an affirmative, Grace.”