“He’s in.” I frowned. “Did I not tell you that?”
“No. My goodness. You mean, he’s living there?”
“Moved in last night.”
“Have you visited yet?”
I shook my head. “Haven’t had the chance. He’s working late tonight for that project in Tain, so we decided I’d go around tomorrow to see him.”
“Have you bought him a housewarming gift?”
I patted my tummy. “Cooking one up as we speak.”
Harry snorted, Dad smirked, and Mum rolled her eyes. “Be serious.”
“I bought him a Sander Patelski framed poster.”
“And what is a Sander Patelski?”
“An artist. He paints images of famous architecture.”
“Very nice. I bought him something. We’ll need to take it over.” She looked at Dad. “Right?”
Dad was expressionless as he replied, “I’ve already given him his housewarming gift.”
“You have?” Mum frowned. “When? What was it?”
“The gift of life when I didn’t kill him for knocking up my only daughter.”
I cackled, even though I knew he was being totally serious.
Later, Harry was in his bedroom, playing a video game before bed, and I was leaving to head back to the cottage. Mum and Dad were settling in to watch a movie while I grabbed my keys and shoes, but I heard the TV mute. Mum cleared her throat.
“Callie, I need to tell you something.”
Her tone stopped me slipping on my other trainer.
When I looked over at her, I somehow knew this was about Nathan. I hadn’t wanted to ask for any updates because I needed to bury my head in the sand about him. Now my heart was pounding a mile a minute.
“I didn’t want to say anything until it was over, but this morning was Nathan’s parole hearing.”
I waited, barely able to hear anything over the rushing blood in my ears.
“I appeared before the board via video call to give a statement.”
“Mum, you should have told me.” I’d never have known she’d been through something so harrowing today. “Did you see him?”
She shook her head. “I only spoke to the board. I told them that Nathan had already used his lawyer to harass you into making him look good for the parole board, and how until that moment, when it only suited him, he’d never reached out or shown any remorse toward you. I shared my fears that he’d look for revenge against us. And I reminded them of everything he put us through and the lasting effects of his actions.”
“Mum … I wish you’d told me. Didn’t they want a statement from me?”
“Yes, and I refused. I didn’t want to dredge all that up again for you.”
But she’d dredge it up for herself for me. “Mum.” I got up and squeezed myself between her and Dad, wrapping my arms around her. As we hugged, Dad smoothed a comforting hand over my back.
“I’m okay,” Mum promised. “Your dad was in the room with me the whole time.”
Releasing her, I was almost afraid to ask, “When do we hear their decision?”
