Crockett laughed, winced and again, clutched hisside.
“I’ll take you home and if you have leftovers, I’ll plate one for Crockett,” Alexandrasaid.
Kimberly’s face lit up. “The chef made me a delightful salmon almondine last night. The sooner we leave, the quicker you can bring Crockett something to eat.” She patted his shoulder. “You deserved the win. Greatjob.”
“I’ll walk you out,” Crockettsaid.
After tucking her mom into the passenger seat of Kimberly’s white Mercedes, she said to Crockett, “You did a fantastic job clobbering thoseguys.”
He chuckled. “I took a beating. Take your time with yourmom.”
“I’ll see youlater.”
He pecked her cheek. “I look forward toit.”
As she stared into his eyes, his energy drew her to him. In a very non-Mitus move, she leaned up and kissed him, then slipped into her mom’svehicle.
He flashed her a grin and she drove out of the parkinglot.
After dinner, mother and daughter relaxed in the living room. Alexandra sat on the floor in front of the fireplace, the flames warming her back. Kimberly was propped on the sofa, tucked beneath a throw, nursing acoffee.
“Thank you for insisting I go today,” Kimberly said. “I loved watching Crockett compete. That little girl reminded me of you. Friendly, outgoing, andsotalkative.” Kimberly’s laugh made Alexandra smile. She wished she could record her mom’s laughter for when—. Pain slashed herheart.
Though Alexandra had promised herself she wouldn’t broach the subject of her childhood, her mom had created an opening and time was running out. “I don’t remember much about being a kid. I was happy and then really, really sad. For a long time. And then I wore a lot ofblack.”
“Oh, that Goth was dreadful. But you had a right to express yourself and I didn’t interfere.” Kimberly sighed. “I hope one day you’ll be a mom. Being yours and Colton’s has been my greatest joy. It’s also been the hardest job. I’ve had to make tough decisions that affected both yourlives.”
This was her chance. “Likewhat?”
“Baby girl, you were the sweetest child. I chose to protect your innocence.” Kimberly broke eye contact, briefly. “But you deserve to know thetruth.”
Alexandra’s mouth grewdry.
“What do you remember about Colton’stwin?”
“Cain was loud and funny. He talked all the time. I remember him answering for Colton, too.” Alexandra smiled. “And he didn’t like to get his hair cut.” Then, her expression turned serious. “I have this memory of him having a black eye. He got it defending Colton, so you didn’t punish him forfighting.”
A rueful smile touched Kimberly’s eyes. “He was such a wild little boy. And yes, he was veryfunny.”
“You never talk abouthim.”
“No. But I think about him every day.” After pushing upright, Kimberly squared her shoulders. “Do you remember yourfather?”
A sliver of a smile crossed Alexandra’s lips. “I do. Like, when he’d read to me in the big chair. Or we’d have tea parties. I was Daddy’s littlePrincess.”
Kimberly’s eyes grew sad. “Those are wonderful memories. Perhaps it best we leave themintact.”
Alexandra pushed off the floor and knelt next to her mom. “I need thetruth.”
Her mother hesitated and Alexandra held her breath. “Your father adored you. I hope you’ll be able to reconcile your feelings for him once you hear what I’m about to tellyou.”
Her guts pinched. “I’lltry.”
“Wilson became greedy. His obsession with wealth turned him into a monster. When you kids were little, he got mixed up in several illegal business deals and owed tens of thousands. He hid everything from me. I found out about it when the men broke into our home to rob us as a way of recouping their losses. I told you Cain drowned in the bathtub, which he did. But he was murdered.” The color drained from Kimberly’s face, the tears pooling in hereyes.
Alexandra’s pulse shot up and she hugged her mom. “No! Oh, no, no!” The truth was worse than anything she’d imagined. “Mom, let’s not do this. It’s toomuch.”
“No.” She swallowed her grief with a deep breath. “You should knoweverything.”
