Mom walked to Dad and gently tugged Axel back into her arms. “Listen to me, love. I love your daddy. The only way I’ll ever leave him is if he cheats or if he hits me. I’mnotleaving, but you have to remember I’m not perfect either.”
“To me you are.”
Mom smiled tenderly.
“And to C. And Diesel,” Axel continued.
She nodded. “They are.”
“Don’t forget us, Ax,” Ransom said.
“You’re perfect to Ran and Ry,” Axel said dutifully.
“I appreciate that, Sweet Pea. Just remember we all have flaws and emotions. I’m sure your daddy will make me mad again.”
Axel stiffened.
Mom raised her hand. “And that’s okay, sweetheart. I’m very upset with you and your men, but do you see me leaving?”
“No,” Axel sniffled.
“Diesel and me had a disagreement. CJ was with us. As much as I appreciate your defense of me, it wasn’t warranted. Especially the bomb. You could’ve beenkilled. Do you understand me, Axel? That bomb could’ve exploded and took you away from us. What would I have done without my little sweet pea?”
“You have your potato,” Axel told her.
“We can’t call CJ ‘potato’ in mixed company,” Mom said. “And my potato isn’t my sweet pea.”
“Are you really punishing us, Mom?” Ransom asked.
“I’ve already suspended your debit cards,” Mom said. “And you have extra chores. I also expect your dad will want to punish you, too. You three built abomb.”
“Are you really going to let Dad beat us?” Axel squeaked.
“How about I negotiate for a lighter sentence, Ax?” Diesel said. “Pro bono.”
“If you win, I’ll rehire you,” Axel said miserably.
Standing in the doorway of the room her father was using, Mattie frowned. Light from the hallway cast a golden glow around him as he sat on the edge of the bed, exchanging pleasantries with her. The lone window didn’t provide the best light, especially since the room was south facing and in the shadow of trees.
“Do you need anything, Daddy?” Mattie couldn’t think beyond basic questions, afraid he’d want to talk about what happened Monday. As long as she pretended it hadn’t happened, she was fine. Every time she looked in the mirror, she attributed her bruises to something else.Anythingelse. “A snack, maybe?”
Daddy leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. Obviously, something was on his mind. He’d been gone most of the day, returning about an hour ago in a strange mood. “I’ve been summoned to emergency church,” he muttered. “Christopher is giving me no choice but to attend.”
Uncertain how to respond, Mattie nodded.
“Where’s Kendall?”
“In her office.”
“Of course she is. Searching for other ways to ruin my fucking life.”
“Uh—”
Footsteps approached behind her, and her heart sped up. She turned and watched as Rory approached the room, halting beside her. His eyes were red-rimmed as if he’d cried buckets.Before she questioned her brother, he spoke.
“Dad,” Rory croaked, “we have to leave in ten minutes if we’re walking to the club.”
“How can I show my fucking face, son?” Daddy sounded so devastated, Mattie could almost excuse him not noticing Rory’s distress. His nostrils flaring, he glanced hesitantly at Mattie. “I never meant—”
