For Lucy

“Oh … and you weren’t eager?” Her head tilts to the right.

“Why are you trying to pick a fight with me? Are you afraid I’m going to provoke you again, but this time you won’t stop me from taking off your clothes? Can’t we just enjoy this banana bread and have a civil conversation about something like the weather?”

“The weather? You want to talk about the weather?”

I nod. “Sure. In spite of a lack of rain, I was pleasantly surprised to find things here at your house are quite moist after all. Pretty wet actually.”

“Not funny.”

“It’s a little funny.” I set the plate on the counter beside her, allowing me to invade every inch of her space. “Josh is a lucky guy.”

Chapter Twenty-One

Since I’m a true gentleman, I finish fertilizing the lawn instead of watching the game. Then I fix the broken fence and cut down a few dead tree branches before heading home. By the time I get out of the shower, Lucy arrives home with a wide grin and the smell of victory. The Royals won.

“You should have been there.” She’s glowing as she wheels her chair into the living room with Josh right behind her.

“Not gonna lie; I’m a little envious of your seats.” I kiss the top of her head.

“I told Lucy we should all go next time I get an offer to watch from the suite. I felt bad Tatum couldn’t make it. I’m sure she’s exhausted after the dance competition and cleaning the house.”

I don’t think I’ll be invited to any games with Josh after Tatum tells him that she is exhausted because I stopped by to give her an orgasm and have a couple slices of banana bread.

“What did you do all day, Dad?” Lucy asks.

“I did some work around here, and then I went over to your mom’s to aerate, fertilize, and fix a few things.”

“Oh? Tatum didn’t tell me she needed help around there. Now I feel bad.” Josh frowns.

He should feel bad that he’s not observant enough to see that stuff on his own without Tatum having to ask him.

“No need to feel bad. I took care of it.”

I took care of her.

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

You won’t for long …

“Thank you for taking Lucy to the game.”

“Anytime. See ya, Lucy.”

“Bye, Josh. Thanks.”

The door closes and Lucy gives me a funny look.

“What?” I ask.

“You were at Mom’s house?”

“Yeah.” I shrug. “So?”

“So … since when did you become Mom’s yard keeper?”

“Since I fell in love with her eighteen years ago. Since she gave me a beautiful daughter who is very nosey. Sometimes marriages fall apart for reasons that don’t involve falling out of love.”

“So you do still love her.” Lucy smirks like she just solved a big mystery.

“Always, Luce. I will always love your mom.” I wink. “But I love you more.”

Her smile fades a fraction as she moves herself from the wheelchair to the sofa. I lift her legs onto the ottoman.

“I’m ready to talk about it.”

“It?” I sit, angling my body toward hers.

“That day … the day Austin died.”

My throat immediately starts to constrict. “Okay.”

“Why did you tell Mom it was you? I mean, I know, but I don’t know. Did you think she would hate me? Did you take the blame so she wouldn’t hate me?”

I shake my head. “I knew she could never hate you. She loves you in ways I can’t fully describe. But losing Austin … that moment after we left him, left his body, she wasn’t herself. And I saw this look in her eyes, like she needed answers. After all, when she left he was fine, and by the time she got home, he was already gone. Imagine how you felt when Ashton broke up with you … now take it times a million and take that times infinity. That’s how your mom felt. I knew she would say something to you, but it wouldn’t be the right thing, and no matter how many times she might have apologized, it would never erase her words from your memory. I felt in my heart, so deeply, Luce, that I failed at saving Austin, but I knew I could still save you. And not just from your mom. I wanted you to believe me too. I didn’t want for you to feel responsible.”

Lucy blinks several times and finally nods once. “Dr. Kane said you were protecting Mom too. After all, she was the one who left Austin with me. She might have blamed herself too.”

“Yes,” I whisper.

“You let your marriage end … for me. And for Mom.” Lucy wipes a tear.

I never wanted this day to come, the day she allowed herself to completely acknowledge and accept the events of that day. As her father, her greatest protector, I wanted to shield her from the pain and grief—if possible, forever.