“That’s not fair,” Grace said, her voice shaking. “He’s still our brother.”
“He stopped being my brother a long time ago.”
The words cut deep. I’d expected this, known it was coming, but hearing it out loud still felt like something vital was being torn out of my chest.
“Ashford, please.” Grace’s eyes were bright with tears. “It’s Thanksgiving.”
“Then he should have called ahead instead of ambushing us. That way, I would’ve known not to come.” Ashford stormed back into the house.
“I’ll talk to him,” Grace said, and followed. Callum murmured something to Zandra, who went in along with the tall blond.
I blinked at the wooden slats of the porch.Fuck. What a fucking mess, and I was at the center of it. But since when was that a new position for me? Infinite hope, infinite stupidity.
“I apologize for bringing this to your house,” I said to Dane, who’d remained outside with Callum. “Hoped he would reactbetter. I figured I was pushing my luck, but…yeah. I know Ashford’s a close friend of yours. You must care about his opinion.”
“And Grace is the woman I love. If she wants you here, then that counts even more.” Dane was the same in person as he was on video. His confident demeanor hadn’t faltered for a second. “Ashford and I always work things out. I’m more concerned about Grace right now.”
“I’m sorry,” I said again, though the words felt weak and inadequate.
Callum shifted with his hands in his pockets. The night air had gotten chillier, and his breath puffed in front of him when he spoke.
“Maybe we should let things calm down for tonight,” Callum said. “You can try again with Ashford later. Another time.”
Dane nodded his agreement.
“Yeah.” I swallowed hard. “The last thing I want is to cause a fight between the rest of you. Or upset Ashford’s wife or daughter. I’m just grateful I got to see you in real life.”
Dane shook my hand again. Callum pulled me into another hug.
“Tell Grace I love her,” I said when we pulled apart.
“Where are you staying?” Callum asked.
“Not sure yet.”
He cursed, indecision written across his face. “Want to stay with me and Z? We’re happy to have you.”
“Nah, that’s not necessary. I can find a motel.”
“Dammit, I don’t feel right about this. We’ve barely gotten to see you. I should go with you. Grace will probably try to chase you down when she realizes you’ve left.”
“Callum, I amfine. I promise. I’m tired after the drive. I’ll see you all again soon.” Whoever was willing, anyway.
“You won’t leave town, right? You’re sticking around?”
I smiled and clapped his shoulder. “Drove a hell of a long wayto get here, so I’m definitely sticking around. Don’t worry about me. Tell Ashford I’ll be here when he’s ready to talk.”
If he waseverready to talk.
“I love you, Cal,” I added. Something I was sure to say every time I spoke to my brother or sister. Just trying to make up for the years that I couldn’t.
“Love you too, brother.”
I kept my chin up as I walked back to my truck. I’d gotten to hug Grace and Callum. I’d seen my family, even if only for a few minutes. That should have been enough.
But as I climbed into the driver’s seat and the dome light faded, leaving me in darkness, all I could think about was Ashford’s face. His absolute certainty that he was better off without me.
That had been one of the most humbling experiences of my life, and hell, I’d had more than enough of those.
