“Rock’s been like a father to you in a lot of ways,” Heidi finishes for me in a quiet voice.
I knew she’d understand. “I guess.”
She bites her bottom lip and squeezes her eyes shut. “Do you think that’s one of the reasons my brother didn’t want to tell us? I know he said he was worried about my reaction. But do you think he was worried you’d feel left out or something?”
The question hits me like a hot poker to the chest. Is Marcel sensitive enough to think of that?
Fuck. Yeah, he probably is. As pissed as I am, I know it’s true.
“Shit.” I tip my head back and stare at the ceiling.
“No wonder Hope’s been so awkward.” Heidi’s eyes widen. “They’ve been making her keep this secret too.”
Knowing Hope and how much she cares for Heidi, that probably killed her.
The whole story starts to take a different shape in my mind. “Now I’m pissed with your brother for forcing Hope and Charlotte to lie about this for so long.”
Her jaw sets in a firm line, and she crosses her arms over her chest. “Me too.”
Our eyes meet and after a few seconds, we burst out laughing.
“You want to go home, beautiful?” I ask.
She glances around the room. “Not yet.” Her warm fingers curl around my hand. “I like being away from everyone…alone time for us. For our family.” She drops her gaze. “We might not have had the best beginnings or good parents, but we won’t repeat any of those mistakes with our kids.”
My throat tightens. “No, we won’t.” I rest one hand over her stomach and the other on Alexa’s back. Our daughter sighs and wiggles in her sleep. “I’ll always be here to take care of my girls. Always.”
Heidi curls into my body, a soft, gentle weight against my chest. “And I’ll always support you no matter what. If you think Tennessee’s the best place for our family, I’m calling shotgun.”
I swallow hard. Talking this out with Heidi moved me closer to forgiving Marcel. But the idea I’d tossed out in anger—moving a few states away—still holds a forbidden appeal.
Could Heidi and I leave everything we’ve ever known behind?
A few days ago, I would’ve said no.
Now, it’s a possibility.