Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers 1)

“You let her go, Pierce. She needed you more than anything, and you let her go.”

“You have no fucking idea what happened.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. I know everything. I’m warning you now; when she tells you her story, you’re going to be in your own pit of hell.”

“What the fuck am I supposed to do with that?” I throw my hands in the air.

“I honestly don’t know. Any relationship I’ve ever had seems superficial compared to the love story Darby has shared. I never could understand why she never went past a first date with men over the years, until a few minutes ago. You touched her and it was clear. The connection you share is one for the ages.”

I close my eyes and take a deep breath, focusing on not losing my temper. “She left me.”

“I know that, and as she told you, she holds on to that remorse. However, you let her go.”

Stephanie gives me no more, closing the door and leaving me standing there fuming. I pivot on my heel, rounding the shed where I parked down the lane. I haul myself into my truck, slam the door, and stare blankly ahead. Thoughts and memories rattle around my brain. Stephanie was right; the connection Darby and I share is still real. Although I should kick my own ass for even going there, it was no mistake. It’s insane I’m even thinking about what happens next. I’m too fucking old to play games.

Darby’s going to tell me what she’s been hiding all these years. It’s time the cryptic messages she’s dropping come to an end.

I drive away with the taste of her still on my lips.

•—•—•—•—•

“Edward?”

“Pierce.” He holds out his hand.

I shake it, looking over his shoulder to find his truck parked on the street in front.

“I’m alone,” he clarifies.

“It’s good to see you, but what are you doing here?”

“Can I come in?”

I step back, motioning for him to come in and follow him to the living room. His eyes dart around purposefully, checking out my house. “Nice place,” he comments.

“Thanks.”

“Those your children?” He points to the rows of pictures.

“They are.”

He nods again, twisting his upper body and tipping his chin to the staircase. “How many bedrooms this place got?”

It seems like an odd question, but I answer anyway. “Four upstairs, the master down here. Three and a half baths.”

“You got a big master bathroom?”

“I do.”

“What about the closet?”

“It’s big enough.”

He purses his lips, leaning back for a glance into the kitchen. “Nice gourmet kitchen,” he assesses.

“Edward, glad you approve of my place, but throw me a bone. What are you doing here?”

“Felt left out. You’ve visited every member of my family recently but me. Thought maybe I should rectify that.”

“How’d you even know where to find me?”

“Annie and I are getting back together.” It’s a Graham trait to evade answering questions.

I jerk my head so fast my neck cracks. “That’s great.” The news of Annie and Edward splitting up was huge. They were the last two people on earth that anyone ever expected to divorce.

“Yeah, it took me eight years to get her to take me back. But now, I’m not wasting any time.”

“Okay.”

“Woke up this morning, she was still sleeping, and I decided to take my morning coffee on the terrace. I always loved that view and the peace and tranquility that comes along with it. I was thinking about how it’s time to get our horses back from boarding, wondering about talking to Annie’s doctor and the possibility of her riding because she misses it. My mind was all over the place. It’s my quiet time.”

“Okay…” I draw it out, having a good idea of where this could be headed.

“Dawn was breaking when I saw your truck driving toward the road. Runner was sniffing around, and my curiosity got the best of me. I took the dog back to the shed and walked into a mess.”

“Is she okay?” My senses go on hyper-alert. I knew Darby was emotional, but she had Stephanie.

“Nope, not by a long shot. But that’s not why I’m here.”

“Edward, I get you’re protective, but with all due respect, this is between Darby and me.”

“It sure is. But that’s not how this is going to work, and you know it. There’s a lot of people involved in this.”

“Why? I’m a thirty-five-year-old man and don’t need a bunch of people in my business.”

He crooks his eyebrows, and his eyes grow sharp right before they light with amusement. He bursts into laughter. “You’re serious?”

“Dead serious.”

“Son, that’s plain stupid and hilarious.”

“I don’t see what’s funny.”

“No, I guess you don’t. But I’m here to help you out. There’s a buzz brewing, and you two are at the center of it all.”

“That’s unfortunate because there’s nothing to talk about.”

“Yet.”

“Yet?”

“You’re a dad now, so I know you get the protective burn that runs through your veins when you think about your children hurting.”