“You lied to us for a long time,” my dad interjects. “You said she was yours.”
Annoyance flares in my veins. All I’m doing is repeating myself over and over and getting nowhere.
“Yes, because she is mine. I chose her. Do you not understand that? Blood is nothing. I lied, if you want to call it that, because I knew you’d behave like this. And let’s be candid. You didn’t exactly embrace her even when you thought she was my biological child because of your dislike of Salem. Both of you are pathetic.”
My mom rears back like I’ve slapped her, but it’s about time I told them. I’ve tiptoed around, avoiding outright hurting their feelings for too long. I should’ve stood up to them a long time ago.
“I’m tired of being nice,” I go on. “Of always placating your feelings. What about my feelings?”
She exhales a shaky breath, and at the foot of my bed, my dad bows his head, his focus set on the floor.
“I’ll give you guys one last chance to do things right even if, frankly, it’s more than you deserve. But the second you insult my wife or her family or my child, I’ll fully cut you out of my life without a second thought.”
My mom nods and reaches for my hand. This time I let her touch me.
As much as I’d like to believe that things will be better moving forward, I’m not optimistic. But at least I’ve said my piece. That’s all I can do. The rest is up to them.
CHAPTER 46
HALLE
Caleb finally gets the all-clear to come home on Christmas Eve. It feels like he’s been gone for weeks, when in reality it’s only been a few days. All that matters is that he’s okay… and maybe that he gets to be home for Christmas. It’s been hard not to look forward to spending our first holiday together as a family.
I’m still reeling from the events of our wedding day, and I have a feeling I will be for a long time. It pains me that my mother ruined what should’ve been one of the best days of my life. And it’s impossible not to tear up when I think about how I nearly lost Caleb, all becauseshe was hell bent on making me pay for something I didn’t do.
My brothers were distraught, blaming themselves for the incident. But they’re kids, and they did the right thing, regardless of the consequences. No one could’ve imagined things turning into the clusterfuck they have.
As for my mom, she’s back in prison. That’s all I know, and beyond that, I don’t care.
I’m so tired of having to pick up the pieces for everyone else. If we’re called to testify against her, then we will, but until then, I can’t worry about it.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” I ask, my hands fluttering uselessly around me.
“I’m sure,” he gasps out. He takes the porch steps carefully, one hand on the railing and the other holding pressure against his side.
When he’s made it to the top, I skirt around him and throw open the door.
“Welcome home!”
Caleb’s eyes widen at the greeting from our friends and family. The lights strung around the stair railing and archways give off a warm glow, and the soft cadence of Christmas music brings a level of comfort I haven’t felt in days.
“Wow,” he says as he crosses the threshold. “This is quite the surprise.”
“We’re not going to stay long,” Salem says, stepping forward to hug him. “We just wanted to see you.”
It’s wild to think that just a few months ago, I was jealous of this woman. Now, I consider her a friend.
“It’s good to see you doing well.” Cynthia pats his cheek.
“Thanks.” He ducks his head. “I’m glad to be okay.”
I shut the door behind me and set the bag I packed for the two of us when I came home to shower the day after Caleb was shot.
As I do, all my energy is sapped. Like now that he’s home, my body can no longer function. But Seda is dying to stay the night here, which means we still have to make cookies for Santa. She still believes, and I’ll do all I can to make the holiday magical for her. It’s good to hold on to that childlike wonder for as long as possible.
I sit in the chair in the corner while Caleb greets and hugs everyone. He’s exhausted too, dark circles under his eyes and a stoop to his shoulders. He hasn’t been sleeping well in the hospital, what with the constant checks and machines beeping.
Thankfully, within an hour, it’s just us and the kids.
