Jesse wasn’t sure if he believed that, but she would have no reason to lie to him. “I’m sorry to cause you and Kane any angst, but I had to know… I hope you understand.”
“I do, and I’m very sorry for what you’ve been through for all these years. I can’t imagine what it’s been like for you.”
“It’s been hell. Absolute hell.”
“Can you tell me about what happened?”
“Are you sure you want to know?”
She hesitated, but only for a second before she nodded. “I want to know everything.”
* * *
After dinner and yet another viewing of KPop Demon Hunters with the kids, Sam and Scotty tucked in the twins and read them one story each before kissing them good night and wishing them sweet dreams.
“Is all your homework done?” she asked Scotty when they were in the hallway.
“Yep.”
“What are you doing now?”
“Watching the Caps game.”
“Can I watch with you?”
He gave her an arch look. “Are you settling for me because your boyfriend’s not here?”
“So what if I am?”
“Haha. You can hang with me if you want to.”
“I want to.”
That was how she ended up snuggled up to Skippy in Scotty’s bed, watching a hockey game she had no interest in and playing with his hair for as long as he’d allow it. “You’re getting very handsome, young Scotty.”
“I’ve always been handsome.”
She snorted out a laugh. “Okay, then.”
“Another girl asked me to the dance today. What is happening?”
“They’re noticing your handsomeness—and your kindness, which is far more important.”
“I just want to go with my friends.”
“Then that’s what you should do, but let them down easy.”
“I was nice about it. I said I already had plans to go with my buddies, but thanks for asking.”
“That’s perfect.”
“I don’t need headlines that say, ‘First Son Is a Douchebag.’”
“Scotty! That’s two dollars for the swear jar.”
“What? That’s highway robbery.”
“Oh, look, the players are fighting!”
