Willow stands rooted to the floor. Her hands tremble and her lip quivers. But her gaze stays locked on mine.
The hatred is gone. Hurt and confusion have replaced it.
But I'll take hurt and confusion over hatred any day.
Jacob points to the door. "I think it's best if you find somewhere else to stay."
"Dad!" Willow exclaims.
"It's okay. I'll be at Jax's. But I'm not leaving you," I insist, my stomach in knots.
"Jacob, let's not overreact. Wyatt doesn't have to move," Ruby asserts.
"He lied to us. He snuck around with our daughter behind our backs," Jacob points out.
"It's okay, Ruby," I say.
"Don't speak right now," Jacob orders.
I shut my mouth, trying not to wince from the pain.
Ruby tries again. "Jacob?—"
"No. Wyatt, I'm not saying you aren't welcome here ever again, but right now, you can't stay here," Jacob declares.
"I understand."
"Dad—"
"No. And I'll remind you that this is my roof you're still under," he asserts.
"It's fine. I'll call you later," I say to Willow, then look at Ruby and Jacob. "I really do regret not being up front with you years ago."
Jacob's eyes narrow further. He crosses his arms, as if holding himself back from hurling himself at me.
Ruby steps forward. "Let me at least clean you up before you go."
Jacob grinds his molars.
"Thank you, ma'am, but it's best if I go. I appreciate all your hospitality," I offer.
She gives me a sympathetic look.
I step in front of Willow, kiss her forehead, and reiterate, "I'm only at Jax's. I'm not leaving."
She bites her lip.
I nod and leave the house, more determined than ever that Willow's going to stay mine.
23
Willow
What just happened?
Damn, Wyatt.
My pulse still thunders in my ears, drowning out everything but his deep voice repeating that he loves me.
