Until Talon (Until Him 4)

“He didn’t,” she hisses.

“I don’t know for sure, because while they were on the phone with him, I was putting Ruby to bed.”

“That piece of…. God, he’s a dick. How did I never realize he was such a dick?”

“I’m sure you noticed; you just didn’t overthink it, because he was—or is—your husband.”

“You’re probably right,” she mutters.

“So I’m going to guess that right now isn’t the best time to let you know that Mom and Chaz are going to be here in a few days.”

“Seriously?” She closes her eyes before falling back against the couch. “I should have thought about that before I had a lapse in judgment and called Mom tonight when I was on break. I just… I needed Mom. I needed her to tell me that everything would be okay.”

“I get it, and I really think it will be a good having her and Chaz here. They can help take the girls’ minds off things for a few days or months.”

“Months?” Her eyes widen.

I shrug. “Mom reminded me that she works for Chaz and he works for himself. I don’t know how long they’re going to be here, but my guess is it will be until they know you and the girls are okay.”

“Right.” She sits forward then stands. “On that note, I’m going to go kiss my girls then lay in bed and figure out what I’m going to say to them in the morning over pancakes.”

“I know it’s easier said than done, but you shouldn’t stress too much about the conversation you’re going to have in the morning. The girls know how much you love them, and they trust you and Mike.” I tip my head to the side. “Maybe just be truthful. I know you hate the idea of them knowing what is happening, but sometimes not knowing is worse than the truth. It’s not going to be easy for them either way, but at least they will understand what’s going on and what might happen.”

I watch tears fill her eyes once more then hear her take a harsh breath. “You’re right.” She steps up to me, and I stand to wrap my arms around her. “I love you, and I’m so thankful for you.”

“I love you too.” My nose stings, but I fight back the tears. Right now, she doesn’t need to see my cry. Right now, she needs me to be strong and show her it’s okay, because she has people who she can lean on. “I’ll see you in the morning for pancakes, unless you want to have your talk with the girls alone.” I lean back to meet her gaze.

“I think it might help them having you there.” She lets me go.

“Then I’ll be there,” I promise before turning off the TV and grabbing my cell and empty can.

“Mia,” Cece calls as I’m dumping my can in the recycle bin.

“Yeah?” I meet her gaze.

“Thank you… for everything.” She rubs her lips together as her eyes fill with tears once more. “I never want you to feel like I’m taking advantage of you.”

“What you need to get, Cece, is I’m your sister. If you need me, I’ll be here. I will always be here.” The tears filling her eyes skim down her cheeks, and she nods before quickly heading upstairs. I watch her go, with my chest feeling funny.

I don’t know exactly what just happened, but I do know it was something big, and I’m really praying it’s something good.

And on that thought, I head up to bed, because tomorrow is going to be another challenge—not just the girls, but me letting my guard down with Talon.

CHAPTER 8

Mia

WHEN THE DOORBELL rings, I let out a breath. Mike called about ten minutes ago to say he was on his way to pick up the girls. I didn’t talk to him; Lola answered the house phone and let me know after she hung up. I told her and her sisters to head up and grab the bags their mom packed and anything else they might want, even though I really don’t want to let them go.

This morning during breakfast, we found out Mike asked Kate and Lola last night who they would want to live with, before saying he would really like the two of them and Ruby to move in with him. He also said after the house gets sold, they could look for a house together. I was surprised he did that, especially after he’s seemed to be on the same page as Cece when it comes to protecting the girls from everything going on. And honestly, I was disappointed he didn’t think about how that would make the girls feel. So no, I really don’t want to let them go with him.

“Kate, Ruby, Lola, your dad’s here!” I shout up the stairs as I walk toward the front door.