36. Chapter 36
Chapter thirty-six
Laiken
Trace bounces on his toes, his smile so wide my chest aches. “Ivy said I can sleep in the big bed with her tonight. And we get popcorn!”
I chuckle as he darts for their bedroom. “Sleepovers are his kryptonite.”
“I’m sure Maddox will have him watching John Wayne all night.” She grabs a bag of popcorn from the pantry with a soft smile.
“Are you sure you want him to stay?” I ask for the tenth time.
As soon as the shock wore off and Maddox left to talk with Parker about the horrific revelation, Ivy insisted Trace stay the night to give me time to process.
I’m grateful, and even though I’ve held it together, I can’t wait to get home and fall apart.
Let the ugly feelings release from my body.
I understood why Parker needed time. He was always one to be alone when he was angry.
He’d take a moment, then when he was ready, he’d come back to me.
Except one time, he didn’t.
Panic rears again. This time for a different reason. But when I hear the hinge of the front door and he steps through, I let out a heavy breath.
He’s back.
Maddox follows him in, his gaze as wary as Parker’s. My brother comes straight to me and curls me into a tight hug. “Love you.”
“Love you too.” I squeeze him.
“Uncle Mads!” Trace races back in. “Do we need to check on Havoc before bedtime?”
Havoc is the ranch’s best bucking bull and Trace’s favorite animal besides Tater Tot.
“Yeah, buddy. Let’s do that.” He moves from my side, scooping up Trace. “Tell your mama bye.”
“Bye, Mama! Love you the biggest.” He cackles.
“Love you, cowboy!” I smile.
Parker watches from the entryway as I hug Ivy and assure her I’ll call her tomorrow.
When we get outside, he quietly walks behind me. I reach my car, then his warm palm lands on my lower back. “I’ll drive.”
He presses a soft kiss to my temple, and I know in that moment, I’m done fighting. I need him and the truth is, my heart has already forgiven him.
We stopped by my mother’s to grab what little we had taken with us while Micky fixed the plumbing before heading to the farmhouse. It feels so good to step inside, knowing I can shower and sleep in my own home. It still isn’t exactly the way I want it, but it’s home to me.
“You want me to take your bags to your room?” Parker asks.
“Sure.” I nod, glancing around the room. “I’m going to check the water.”
My heavy steps carry me to the kitchen, where I flip on the water faucet.
It sprays cold water into my sink, the droplets coating the white porcelain.
I’m not sure what washes over me. Maybe it’s the relief that one thing is fixed, but anxiety that another just piled right on top like a metaphoric cherry.
My hands grip the edge of the sink as I let out an unexpected sob.
Tears prick my eyes like needles, the pain of keeping them at bay too much.
They forcefully fall, dampening my cheeks as another sob breaks loose in my chest. I cry.
I cry for what Rhodes did. The choice he took from me.
I cry for Parker. For the years we lost. I cry for my son.
My family. My dad. I cry so hard I can barely breathe.
And just when I think my knees might buckle beneath me, a pair of strong arms circles my waist. Parker’s face buries in my neck, his whispers soft as I let it all go.
Because after this, I’m moving forward. No more living in the past. And those who wronged us. Who stole our plans. Will pay.