“What the fuck are you saying? Youaremy family. How many times do I have to say that? Come home, Dee. Please.”
“No. You don’t need me. Caleb does. Macy does. I’m stepping aside, Colt. This is what’s best. That is unselfish.”
“No,” he growls. “This isnotover. Don’t say that. Don’t ever say that. I love you. I love you so fucking much.”
“Then love your son. Be there for him. Enjoy your family. Not everyone gets that chance.”
“Dee, don’t—”
I end the call.
Pain surges through me, so raw it takes my breath away. I bang my fist against my forehead, trying to make it stop. I hit harder and harder as if I can shake the pain loose.
Joseph rushes in and grabs my hand. “Dee. Stop.”
I sob. “It hurts, Joseph. It hurts so damn much.”
“I know, sweetheart. But hurting yourself won’t make it stop.”
I scream and throw the lamp at the wall, shattering it. “Dee, calm down,” Joseph says, stepping forward to hold me.
“I can’t. This isn’t real. This can’t be happening,” I shout, fighting against him.
“Enough!” he snaps, grabbing my arms and steering me to the bed. “Sit down.”
I slump onto the mattress, gasping for air. “I just want the pain to stop,” I whisper.
“I’ve never seen you like this,” he says quietly, kneeling beside me. “Please, promise me you won’t do that again.”
I nod slowly, unable to speak.
He wipes my cheeks and presses his forehead to mine for a moment before standing. “I’ll be downstairs. Try to rest.”
I lie back down, curling around Princess.
The phone keeps vibrating. I let it.
An hour passes before I hear the screech of tires out front.
Then, pounding on the door.
“DEE!” Colt’s voice roars through the house.
Joseph tries to intercept him. “Calm down. I’ll get her—”
“No! Get out of my way, Joseph!DEE!” Colt yells again.
My stomach twists.
Joseph’s footsteps echo up the stairs.
I don’t want to see him. I can’t see him. If he touches me, I’ll break.
But I find myself standing anyway.
I walk to the top of the staircase as Joseph rounds the landing.
Colt spots me and bolts.
