Debbie reeled back again as though he’d struck her. Then she propped her hands on her hips and scowled. “I’ve already apologized for buying the remote-control trucks.”
“This isn’t just about the trucks. The boys can’t stop talking about getting to live in a big house and finally getting a mom.”
“Really?” Debbie pressed a hand to her chest.
“Only they aren’t getting a mom. Our engagement was fake, remember?”
Tears filled her eyes, and her words came out husky. “You said you’d like to let it stand.”
“I guess that was a mistake.” Austin knew he was being a class A jerk, but he couldn’t let this go. “That was before you stuck your nose where it didn’t belong.Again.”
Cries came from the kitchen, tightening his chest even more. He was going to miss those little girls.
Anger sparked in Debbie’s gorgeous blue-green eyes. “I didn’t stick my nose anywhere. And unless you can stop shouting at me, and explain what’s going on, then I think you’d better leave.”
He lowered his voice as he waved the statement in her face. “I’m talking about you paying Savvy’s and Cody’s medical bills.”
She shook her head. “I didn’t pay any medical bills.”
“Then why does it say anonymous donor right there.” He stabbed at the paper with his finger.
Debbie winced, and her shoulders slumped. “I’m not the only one with money in this town who likes to do a good deed now and then.”
Austin took a deep breath, but it didn’t calm him like he’d hoped. She was right, but he hated that someone had thought he was in need of charity. “Right. Because bailing out us poor people makes you feel good.”
Her eyes continued to glisten as she backed toward the kitchen where the cries had intensified. “You’re such a hypocrite, you know that. You chew me out for buying your boys a gift, then turn around and use me and my money tobail you outwith your ex-wife.”
Austin’s stomach clenched, joining the tightness in his chest. “I was trying to protect my family.”
“So was I.” Vehemence filled her voice. “That’s why I agreed to pose as your fiancé.”
Of course, she’d done it for the kids.
But at some point things had changed between them. His feelings had grown stronger, and he was sure hers had too, but he couldn’t help but resent her right now. He couldn’t let go of the feelings of inadequacy that filled him. The insecurity warred with defensiveness and annoyance inside of him.
Silence fell between them broken only by Lucia’s and Mia’s cries.
She really had been selfless in helping him protect the children from Cheyenne. Debbie loved his kids. He could see it in everything she did for them. They loved her just as much, but Austin wasn’t sure he wanted this lifestyle for himself and his children. He had thought they could make it work, but this one little thing felt insurmountable to him right now. What about the next time he became resentful and upset over something to do with money?
His kids were going to hate him for what he was about to do, but he simply couldn’t overlook the way her money made him feel so insecure and agitated.
“Well, there’s no need for that anymore is there?” He turned and walked out the door.
* * *
“Dad,why did Debbie text me and say you need to drive me to my hair and nail appointment?” Savannah asked as soon as she walked through the door after the hike. “Is something wrong with one of the girls?”
Shoot.
Austin had totally forgotten that Debbie had promised to take Savvy to get her hair done for prom tonight. He’d blown into her house and said the things his pride needed him to say, and he’d burned bridges in the process.
He leaned back from the table where he played a game with Dallas and Cody. It wasn’t much of a consolation prize, but it was the best he could offer when he told them their plans with Debbie had been canceled.
Austin owed his kids the truth. Otherwise, they would keep asking when they could go to Debbie’s house again.
He cleared his throat. “Debbie and I had a fight this morning. She won’t be watching you after school anymore, and we won’t be eating dinner at her house again.”
“What?” Dallas asked.
