We leave the funeral and drive to Carter and Gemma's house, where the wake is being held.Their home is warm and full of people offering condolences, dropping off food, and sharing memories.
Skye stays close to my side, greeting people with polite nods, but she's clearly running on fumes.
Her stepmother surprises me by slipping easily into hostess mode right along side Gemma.She takes coats, arranges food on platters, refills drinks, and checks in with guests.She even takes over the kitchen for a while, keeping things moving smoothly.
I watch Skye as she sees this, her eyes following her stepmother's every movement.There's a mix of shock and gratitude in her expression.
A little while later, Skye heads to the restroom.I take a moment to step outside for air, and her father joins me on the porch.
He clears his throat."I appreciate everything you've done for her."
I nod slowly."She's...everything."
There's a pause before I speak again."I know about the hospital.That there was no medical study.You paid for everything."
He blinks, surprised, then nods."She doesn't know.I didn't want her to.I just wanted to help."
"Why keep it a secret?"
"Because she'd never take the help if she knew it was from me.But Meredith, she forgave me long before I deserved it.Meredith deserved everything I could give her.She deserved dignity, and Skye deserved to be spared one more burden."
I study him for a moment."She may never forgive you."
"I know," he says quietly."But that doesn't mean I'll stop trying."
Skye returns then, slipping her hand into mine without a word.I squeeze it gently.
As we prepare to leave, Skye steps up to her stepmother and pulls her into another hug.This time, it lingers.
"Thank you," she whispers."For everything."
Her stepmother swallows hard, nodding, her eyes glassy with unshed tears.
I turn to Carter and Gemma."I'm taking her home.She needs quiet."
Carter nods."Take whatever time you need.We've got everything covered here."
I find Skye near the door, her fingers grazing the edge of her mother's picture.
"Ready?"I ask gently.
She nods, wordless.And I guide her out, one hand steady at her back.
Grief doesn't have a road map.But wherever she needs to go from here, I'll be right beside her.
Chapter 29
Skye
Today,I'mmeetingGageat Club Red for the first time since my mom's funeral.I need this because Club Red has always been my safe place.As I pull into the parking lot, I get a text from Gage.
Gage:Going to be a few minutes late, had a meeting run over.Head to the bar, and I'll meet you there.
Me:Ok.Drive safe.
It feels strange walking into Club Red without the heaviness of grief sitting quite so close.It's still there, humming low in my bones, but I can breathe, just a little.I haven't been back since the funeral, since everything in my life tilted off its axis.But this place is safe and familiar.It's where I found myself, and right now, I need to remember who I am.
The low hum of music wraps around me the moment I step inside.While the scent of leather, musk, and spice curling through the air is like a welcome home.The lighting is dim, warm, sensual.I drift toward the bar, where Jax is wiping down the counter.
