Her mom let out a shaky breath of relief.
"But not because he's my father," Lydia said softly."Because I'm tired of living a life that's made up of lies.And because...maybe it's time I stop fearing the truth."
Her mom nodded, pressing her trembling lips together.
Something shifted inside her—small, trembling, almost too faint to notice.Not hope, not yet.But the tight, aching pressure in her chest eased enough for her to draw a fuller breath, like the world wasn't crushing her quite as hard as it had been a moment ago.
Chapter 35
Lydia's legs shook.The hallway seemed longer on the way out than it had going in to see her mother.
She inhaled through a tight chest.Her mind still spinning after everything her mom told her about the past.
When she stepped into the main room of the clubhouse, she found Baddy leaning against the wall, arms crossed, eyes locked on the door like he'd been guarding it.
The second he saw her, his shoulders dropped a fraction.She walked straight to him.
He pulled her against his chest.His hands checked to see if she was still intact.Without a word, she gathered the strength he offered, needing every bit she could get.It wasn't easy to talk to her mother.It was going to be even harder talking to Baker.
"I need a favor," she said softly.
"Anything."
She swallowed."Would you ride back home and get the photo album for me?"
His brows pulled together."You sure?"
She straightened his beard."Yeah."
"Will you be okay staying here while I'm gone?"
"I think so."
He studied her for a moment, then squeezed her hand."I'll be right back.Ten minutes, tops."
She watched the door swing shut behind him.A mix of relief and fear settled in her chest.She needed him close, but she also needed answers.
