“Hi.” His tone was neutral. But he had that strong jaw that flexed when he was angry just like his brother.
“Would you like to come in?”
“Maybe you could come out here instead.”
He backed away as she slipped outside. He seemed too wired to make use of her porch chairs. So she just stood by the door, folded her arms over her chest, and waited for him to tear into her.
A cricket chirped from somewhere under the porch, and a soft nicker carried from the barn. A breeze ruffled the hairs thathad escaped her ponytail over the course of the day. She didn’t have to look at Cooper to know he was staring at her. His attention felt like a hot spotlight.
“You have his cleft chin,” he said finally, his tone full of reluctance.
Her gaze swung up to find his expression still guarded, despite the admission. His corded neck led down to the rigid line of his shoulders. His arms hung at his sides in a ready stance, as if he were about to draw his holstered gun.
She shook away the absurd thought. “You have his eyes. It was the first thing I noticed about him.”
His lips formed a tight line. “Trust me, I know. I’ve spent my whole life trying not to be my dad. That’s the one thing I can’t change.”
“I guess Gavin told you everything.”
“I’d rather hear it from you.”
It was the least she could do. And so she told him, starting with the items she’d found in the safety-deposit box and ending with Craig’s wish to collect that one-year chip before he approached his sons. “I know I should’ve told you both sooner. I should’ve told you before I even met Craig that first time.”
Hurt flashed in his eyes. “You should’ve.”
“I’m so sorry for the pain I’ve caused. And if your family is reeling right now.”
He gave a mirthless chuckle. “Oh, they’re reeling. Mom’s shaken over an affair she never knew about, Gavin feels betrayed, and Avery’s upset on all our behalf.”
Charlotte squeezed her eyes shut, wishing she could make it all disappear. But she couldn’t. This was all happening because of her and she had to face up to it. “I’m so sorry.” She openedher eyes and forced herself to meet his gaze. Forced herself to ask the question. “And you, Cooper? How are you feeling about all this?”
He regarded her for a long moment, emotions shifting on his face. “Did you ever hear how Kate and I got together?”
She blinked at the abrupt change of topic. She recalled some Robinson family scandal several years ago involving the two of them, but she hadn’t been privy to the details. She’d been too busy with her own life to pay it much mind. “Um, no, not really.”
“I’ll give you the short version. Back when I was running for sheriff, I met Kate when she had a car accident. She was in imminent danger and we bonded quickly. Afterward, I couldn’t stop thinking about her—I was smitten. But then I found out she was Gavin’s girlfriend—the one who’d helped pull him from a ditch of despair after his divorce.”
“Oh no.”
“It wasn’t good. I tried to stay away from Kate, but we kept getting thrown together—and I could tell she had feelings for me too. Long story short, we slipped up, got caught. It wasn’t pretty. It was very public, humiliating even, for Gavin. He was ticked—and rightfully so.
“I’m only telling you this because I’m someone who’s made his own share of mistakes. I’ve hurt people I love in the process. So these days I’m a little more inclined to give others the benefit of the doubt.” He crossed his arms over his chest, looking formidable in that uniform. “Don’t get me wrong—I’m upset that you hid the truth from us. You should’ve told us months ago who you were.”
She swiped away a tear. “You’re right. I’m sorry, Cooper. Inever meant to hurt you or any of your family. I hope you believe that.”
“I do. And sorry helps. But of course it doesn’t erase the consequences.”
She winced. Why, oh why had she waited so long to tell them?Fear, her gut screamed. Yes, she’d been afraid. Just as she’d been afraid to tell Emerson about the contents of that folder. It seemed Charlotte had a problem being open and vulnerable with the people she cared about. She’d never even gotten around to telling Gunner she loved him. Maybe it would’ve made a difference. But that boat had sailed.
Cooper shifted. “I’ll get over it eventually, Charlotte. Gavin’ll come around too. Give him some time.”
Hope fluttered like butterfly wings in her belly. “You really think so?”
“Something you’ll learn about Gavin: he’s got a temper, but it flares up and dies off pretty quick.” His dark-brown eyes sharpened on her. “Especially when it comes to his family.”
Family.He was including her in that word. She sucked in a deep breath as the tears started all over again.
He made a pained face. “You’re gonna have to stop that. I don’t do well with tears. You might remember that from the time I pulled you over.”
