It’s the fact that my parents care so little about me that they’d go through the trouble of nullifying my trust just to keep me under their thumb.
Did they really think I’d give up everythingI’vewanted since I graduated from college and started working?
Hurt and anger battle for control as Declan drops one last kiss to my cheek before leaving.
I have no idea how long I stay here. Exhaustion clings to me, but I can’t stay like this all day.
When the stream of sunlight brightens, I know I need to get up. Glancing at the clock, it’s well after one in the afternoon.
Piling my hair on top of my head, I throw on one of Declan’s sweatshirts over my sleep shorts and tank and pad into the kitchen.
Maybe a cup of coffee will help me feel better. At least give me a clear head so I can try to come up with a plan of action going forward.
But before I can do anything, the front door swings open.
“Alice?”
“Kathleen? What are you doing here?”
My jaw drops in shock as Declan’s parents stride in through the front door.
“Oh, sweetheart.” Kathleen walks around the counter and pulls me in for a hug. The smell of lavender invades my senses, causing tears to well in my eyes. “Declan told us what happened.”
“Did you drive all night?”
“We got up early this morning to drive. You know it’s not that bad without traffic.”
“You didn’t need to come.” Except I squeeze her tighter to me.
“Nonsense. I whipped up some soup for you and you are going to sit and eat it until you feel better.”
“Excuse me,” Aiden interjects, shutting the door behind him. “Who made the soup?”
Kathleen untangles her arms from mine and pats my cheek. “Fine. He made the soup. But I told him we had to do it.”
“Like I wouldn’t have done it.” Aiden sidles up to us with a smile on his face. “She thinks that she knows everything, but you know we’d do anything for you, Alice. You’re like a daughter to us.”
I can’t hold back the tears. A fresh wave roll down my cheeks as I try to wipe them away, but to no avail.
“Oh, sweetheart.” Kathleen pulls me in again, rubbing circles on my back as I let the tears go. “I’m so sorry.”
I can’t say anything. My throat is too thick with emotion.
“I know your parents were shitheads to you?—”
Aiden is interrupted almost immediately.
“You can’t say that to her right now,” Kathleen hisses.
He shrugs as I turn to face him.
“As I was saying. I know your parents were terrible to you and basically disowned you, but if you’re looking for a set of adopted parents, you have us. We might cuss, drink a lot, and drop in unannounced, but we do it because we care.”
“I’d take the two of you any day,” I say, pulling Declan’s dad in for a hug.
“Good. Now, time to eat some soup.” Kathleen steers me toward the kitchen right as the doorbell rings. “Aiden. Get that.”
I laugh as he gripes but does exactly what she says. Leon and Jacob are at the door with a stunning bouquet in hand.
