“Oh, honey. That manadoresyou. Just be honest with him and own up to whatever you did, and I’m sure you two will be able to work it out.”
I nod, seemingly in agreement, but deep down I know the truth.
Twenty years and a fake death wasn’t enough to stop Bram Thorne from loving me. But one stupid email could change all that.
What the hell have I done?
CHAPTER 25
BRAM
I’m not sure what happened while I was out getting lunch, but Josie is… different. Quieter, but in a way that has my Daddy radar going off big time. Poppy must have noticed it too, because she called it a day not too long after we finished eating and said we’d get back to planning in a few days.
Now it’s just me and my Josie, driving back up to the cabin, and she hasn’t spoken a word since we left town. Reaching over, I thread my fingers through hers and bring our joined hands to my lips. “What’s wrong with my little lovebug?”
She turns her head, and I can feel the weight of her stare on me. “Why did you choose Bram?”
“What?”
“Your name.” Her voice has turned urgent, as if the fate of the entire world rests in my answer. “Why did you name yourself Bram?”
“I assumed you knew. Because of Bram Stoker. You loved Dracula when we were younger.”
“So youdiddo it for me.” Now her voice is strained, like she’s on the verge of tears. “Why? You couldn’t have known you’d ever see me again.”
“I know.” Memories crowd me, the grief I felt leaving her behind. Grief that never really faded even after two decades. “That’s why I chose it. I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving you like that, and this way I got to carry at least a little part of you with me.”
“Oh, god.” Groaning, she slides down in the seat, covering her face with her hands. “I wish I didn’t know that.”
“Why?” Panic winds around my chest, and I’m about two seconds from pulling the car over just to hold her in my arms. “Baby, what’s wrong? Tell Daddy what’s going on.”
“I’m a total bitch, that’s what’s going on.”
Panic turns to anger at her words. “Little girl, unless you want me to pull this truck over and spank your bare bottom right on the side of the road, I suggest you watch how you talk about my girl.”
“Maybe you should.” Her voice is thick with tears and what might be desperation. “I deserve it. I’m sorry, Daddy, I’m so sorry.”
Temper once more gives way to worry as I guide the SUV to the side of the road and unbuckle her seatbelt to pull her into my arms. “Shh, baby. Whatever it is, Daddy’s right here. We’ll get through it together.”
“No, we won’t!” she wails, burying her face in the side of my neck. “You’re g-gonna h-hate me!”
“Daddy could never hate you, little bug. But I need you to tell me why you’re so upset so we can talk about it.”
“Ican’t. You’ll never forgive me!”
“Josephine.” I put every ounce of “Daddy” into my voice I can manage, and she goes quiet in my arms. “Tell Daddy what’s going on, right now, little girl.”
The stern tone does what I’d hoped it would. Curling even closer to me, she sniffles. “I-I sent my assistant an email.”
Ahhh, sothat’swhat this is about. It’s all I can do not to laugh at her distress over something I already know. “Okay. Why do you think I’d be mad about you emailing your assistant?”
“Because… Because I told her about you. That I was being held captive and I needed her to come help me. I’m so, so sorry, Daddy! Please don’t hate me!”
Once more, she collapses into sobs in my arms and I tighten my hold on her, rocking her gently. “Shh, baby. It’s okay. Daddy doesn’t hate you.”
“You should! I’m a horrible person!”
“No, baby. You were scared. It’s going to be okay, I promise.”
