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 allup for you, Dee. That should tell youeverything. 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. Ineedyou.”
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 wantyou.” 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.
