Her lips pinch together.
“Or as much of the truth as you feel comfortable sharing.” When she doesn’t immediately agree, I point to the center of my chest and draw an X with my finger. “It’ll go in the vault.”
“Okay, fine. But these rumors better be good.”
“They’re ridiculous.” I think of the most far-fetched. “Did youknow Edward’s father is a vampire, and y’all are descendants of the Cullens?”
Rosalie’s shoulders relax and she grins. “I binged theTwilightseries when I was pregnant. I’m very obviously team Edward.”
“So, there is some truth to theTwilightrumor!” I chuckle.
“Sadly, no vampires.”
“Boring,” I tease. “Another tall tale . . . You and Edward are asylum seekers who’ve assumed aliases because his father was a mob boss for a cartel and died in a plane crash.”
She huffs out a breath. “I wish.”
My brows rise.So, Edward’s father is alive.
“Sorry, it would be easier if Edward’s father were out of the picture. It sounds bad when I say that, I know. You can judge me if you want.”
“No, but I am judging whoever came up with that crazy tale.”
“Right? The cartel?”
“That’s how they explain your house. And your nanny.” Rosalie lives in an upscale development of custom homes. That, and she has a full-time nanny. That might be common in some places, but not here. Way out of budget for our town’s librarian pay scale. “Whoever came up with that theory watched too many episodes ofOzark.”
She winces. “Is that really the best this town can do?”
“Well, most people think you are hiding out, but that’s because they guess you left an abusive relationship.”
Her face sobers.
Shit.Is that the truth?
The thought of anyone hitting Rosalie or Edward makes my blood boil.
“Where does he live? I’ll take him out.”
“Jackson.” She rolls her eyes. “You’re not taking anyone out.”
“Fine.” I’m not a violent man. But I’d commit murder if anyone hurt her. “At least rough him up.”
“Edward’s father is an asshole, but he’s never hurt us. At least, not physically.”
“Emotional abuse doesn’t make me feel any better.”
“He’s not a problem. He’s pretty much out of the picture. He does bankroll most of our living expenses in exchange for—well, honestly, it’s no one’s business. He lets us live our lives, and that’s all that matters.”
“Rosalie, I’m not judging you. You’re a great mom.”
“I’m doing my best, which is far from great.”
“Please. That boy is a good kid. He’s quiet, but I’ve seen him with my nieces and nephews. He’s got a kind heart and he’s whip smart. I reckon that’s about all you need to get through life. And that doesn’t happen by accident. You’re raisin’ him right.”
“He’s the best thing I’ve ever done with my life. Even if I worry I’m getting it all wrong.”
“You aren’t.”
