Chapter Thirty-Four #2
“I’ve never exactly been Team Dee,” he admits. “But seeing him like this? I get it now. He loves you. Deeply. And you’re breaking him.”
I look away. “He deserves a family,” I say. “Macy gave him one. I can’t. That’s the truth.”
Hux exhales, leaning forward. “Colt does deserve a family. And yes, he loves Caleb. But you’re his wife. He would give it all up for you, Dee. That should tell you everything. You think he needs a family, but he needs you more.”
My chest tightens.
“He hasn’t eaten properly in a week. Hasn’t slept.
He’s wasting away, and it’s because you’re gone.
Caleb may be keeping him alive, but you?
You’re what keeps him whole. Don’t let him fall apart.
” Tears gather in my eyes. “Please, Dee. I’ve never begged for anything in my life, but I’m begging you now.
You need to fix this before it’s too late. ”
Just then, Colt and Joseph return, and I quickly wipe at my face.
“What did you do, Hux?” Colt asks, narrowing his eyes at the tears on my cheeks.
“Nothing. We were just chatting,” Hux says as Joseph sits beside me, wrapping an arm protectively around my shoulders.
“You made her cry, you ignoramus pisshole,” Colt mutters, shoving him.
“It’s okay,” I say quickly. “I’m just… emotional.”
Colt drops beside me, close enough that his leg brushes mine. I try not to react, but the heat from his skin makes my heart race.
Colt takes my hand. “I’m sorry I ever made you feel unwanted. I love you. I need you.”
Joseph rises. “We’ll give you two some space,” he says, motioning to Hux.
No, please don’t go. I plead silently with my eyes, but Joseph ignores it, and they leave.
Colt and I sit in silence for a long moment.
“I don’t know what you want me to say,” I begin. “I’m not changing my mind. You need to focus on Caleb.”
“You’re not a distraction, Dee. You’re my anchor. When I think of everything going on with Caleb, the only thing that makes me feel okay is the idea of coming home to you. Talking to you. Holding you. I need you.”
My hand shakes in his.
“That’s what Macy is there for,” I whisper. “She understands how you feel.”
“Then why are you pushing me toward her?” he demands. “Why are you doing this when we both know you love me?”
“Because you deserve a family, Colt. I can’t give you one.”
He groans. “I don’t care about that. I want you.” I look away, but he leans in. “If you spent time with Caleb, you’d love him. I know you would—”
“I resent you, Colt,” I cut in, the words ripping out of me. “I hate that you get to have a child, and I don’t. I hate that I’m always on the outside, and you’re the one who gets to be a dad.”
He exhales, clearly broken. “I’m sorry,” he says.
“I’m sorry for everything… the accident, the embryos, the neglect.
I failed you more times than I can count.
And I hate myself for it.” He pulls me to him, burying his face in my hair.
“I’m so fucking sorry,” he repeats over and over, tears slipping down his cheeks.
I cry with him, overwhelmed. I lift my hand and cradle his face, wiping his tears. “I’m sorry too,” I whisper, and then I kiss him.
It’s desperate, raw, and real.
Our lips collide, our tears mingling between us. He groans as I climb into his lap, straddling him, pouring every ounce of pain and longing into the kiss. His hands are on my hips, under my shirt, gripping my skin like I’m the only thing keeping him alive.
The doorbell rings, but we ignore it.
We keep kissing, clinging, grieving everything we’ve lost.
A throat clears.
We pull apart, breathless and exposed.
Grace stands in the doorway with the doctor. Colt’s hand is still under my shirt as he reluctantly pulls it back. I slide off his lap, then stand and quickly wipe my cheeks. He stands beside me, his hand in mine, and we walk toward them together.
“Nice show, big bro,” Hux mutters before Grace elbows him.
Macy and Caleb enter as the doctor pulls out a folded sheet of paper. “Shall we sit for the results?” he offers.
“No. Just tell us,” Colt says, voice tight.
The doctor glances at the paper. “Huxley and Colt… I’m sorry. Due to prior substance abuse, neither of you is eligible for the donor program.”
Colt squeezes my hand as Hux exhales sharply.
Macy’s face crumples.
“Is there anything we can do?” Colt asks.
“I’m sorry,” the doctor replies. “However… Grace matched.”
Everyone gasps.
Grace beams. “Of course I did. He’s my grandson.”
Macy breaks down, hugging her, while Caleb watches, confused.
Colt steps in, tears falling. “Thanks, Mum. You’ve given us everything.”
They’re all hugging.
Celebrating.
Joseph moves beside me, his arm sliding around my shoulders. “You haven’t changed your mind, have you?” he whispers.
I stare at Colt—at the smile I haven’t seen in so long. “No,” I say, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Look at him. He’s with his family. He doesn’t need me.” I start walking toward the door.
“Dee, wait,” Colt calls, catching my arm. “You have to celebrate with us.”
“I, ah—” I start to respond, unsure what to say.
“Actually,” the doctor interrupts, glancing around. “Colt, I need to speak with you privately.”
Everyone turns toward him.
“It’s important,” the doctor adds.
Colt nods, his expression suddenly serious. “Okay.”
The others begin to filter into the lounge room, giving them space.
I move to follow, assuming Colt will want this discussion to be between him and his doctor, but he stops me with a gentle tug on my arm.
“Anything you need to tell me, you can say in front of my wife,” he says firmly, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.
I shake my head subtly, hesitant to intrude, but he pulls me in closer.
His message is clear—we’re in this together.
The doctor gives a small nod. “All right then. This is regarding a secondary result from the donor screening, the paternity test you requested.”
I look up at Colt, startled. “You had a paternity test?”
He nods, eyes soft as they meet mine. “Yeah. I wasn’t going to, but… I know it mattered to you. And honestly, what’s the harm, right? If it gives you peace of mind, I figured I’d do it.” He leans down and presses a kiss to my forehead, and my heart swells at the quiet sacrifice.
“Thank you,” I whisper, touched.
“Anything for you, Dee,” he murmurs, brushing his lips against my temple again.
The doctor shifts slightly, clearing his throat. “Well, the results are in, Colt.”
Colt smiles faintly, confident. Ready.
But something in the doctor’s tone makes the air go still.