“Do as he says,” Elijah hisses. “Before I return us to court and remove everything I agreed to. Believe me, I have more than enough evidence to do it.”
Darra freezes. Her eyes lock onto Elijah over Caleb’s shoulder. All colour drains from her face.
There’s a pause. Darra flicks her hand in front of her face, her mouth tight, as if she has suddenly smelt or tasted something bad.
“Lottie, you’re coming back with me,” she says, her eyes moving to her daughter, her expression hard.
“No, no, no. I’m sorry. Don’t make me leave,” Lottie pleads, her arms locking around Pen, her heart-wrenching sobs twisting something inside me.
“She doesn’t have to go anywhere with you.” Elijah’s voice is deadly quiet. “I’m now legally her father. Your threat no longer stands. If you know what’s good for you. You’ll turn around and leave. Now.”
Darra’s shoulders go back, and she stares at him, weighing up his words. Whatever she sees, she turns on her heel.
“Zach?” she all but shrieks as she makes her way to the door.
My eyes return to Zach, who is once again watching me.
His gaze drops to the floor. But he remains static.
Darra harrumphs as she storms out, the front door slamming behind her.
I flinch as the sound reverberates around the room.
Gabriel and Caleb drop to the floor in front of me, their hands resting on my knees.
No, no, no, little brothers. Back off. Can’t you see I’m hanging on by a thread?
I move my hands and squeeze each of theirs before quickly standing up and making my way towards Lottie. I take my niece’s face gently in my hands and drop a kiss on her cheek.
“I’m sorry, Aunty Kat,” Lottie sobs, a fresh set of tears running freely down her cheeks.
I incline my head and smile at her, using my thumb to brush away her tears.
“You, my darling girl, have nothing to be sorry for.” I swallow past the tightness in my throat. “I’m sorry you got caught up in the games of adults.” I cup her face in my hands, my gaze holding her watery one. “All you need to know is that everyone loves you unconditionally, whoever your father and mother are. You’re Lottie Brooke Frazer, and you always will be.”
I look Lottie in the eye as I inhale. The need to get out of here, to escape, is riding me hard. I move my hands, cupping her chin in one hand and squeezing her shoulder with the other.
“I need to leave right now, but I want you to know that has nothing to do with you. I love you, sweet girl.”
Lottie lets go of Pen and wraps her arms around me. I close my eyes and hug her back, allowing this young girl’s courage to bolster my own.
How have we got here?
“I love you too, Aunty Kat,” Lottie whispers against my shoulder.
I allow my lungs to fill with air as I calm myself. I give her one final squeeze before stepping back, praying my voice remains steady and my legs hold me up.
“I need to go,” I tell Lottie. “But we’ll get through this. Call me if you need me.”
Lottie nods, her eyes still glistening.
Pen’s hand comes up and grips my arm, sending me a silent message of support.
I meet her gaze, offering her the slightest nod.
“I need time,” I whisper.
I know my friend well. She won’t push me now, but she’ll need to know I’m okay.
