Salvation (Surrender 3)

The nightie! I giggle and smile at him, nodding. Robbie’s glare causes me to laugh even harder. Really? He’s jealous of his brother-in-law?

Unfortunately, when they leave, everyone else gets up. We have plenty of time to take one last walk on the beach before going to the airport. Robbie notices the sense of sadness that washes over me when we get into the van.

“I meant it, Ember. We’ll come back anytime.”

“Promise?”

“For you, I’ll do anything.”

I expected Cruz and Alex to be waiting for us when we got home, but seeing Aunt Chloe is a surprise.

“I couldn’t wait. When I saw the picture you sent Cruz of the two of you, I decided to cook us all dinner. This will give you time to tell me everything,” she tells us, the smile on her face beaming.

“Actually, we were going to Robbie’s tonight. I came by to get some things.”

Her eyes twinkle as she glances between the two of us like we announced our engagement.

“Babe, we can stay for dinner. I’ll go put your things in your room.” Robbie goes up the stairs, and my aunt sighs.

“You love him. He loves you. It’s written all over you both.”

I give her a small smile and nod slightly but don’t say anything out of fear that I’ll start gushing about how perfect he is.

She jerks her head to the kitchen, motioning for me to follow. Cruz and Alex sit at the table, looking at me intently. I grab my phone and start telling them about the entire weekend, showing pictures as I go. Robbie joins us, grabbing a beer, and shakes his head when I tear up describing their vows.

Sometime during dinner, the mood shifts. I look at Chloe when she clears her throat.

“I have some news.”

We all wait expectantly.

“Thad and I spoke, and we decided to give Serena some money. The stipulation is she leaves us all alone.”

My fork clangs as it hits the plate. “Why?”

“I told him everything that Robbie and Finn found, and we decided it was the best thing to do if we wanted to keep her away from you.”

“H-h-h-ow much?” I stutter.

“Enough to get all her bills current and pay off a few credit cards. All together, about ten thousand dollars.”

“What?!? Where did you get that kind of cash?”

“We have that kind of money, Ember.”

“I don’t understand. I worked to the bone to have clothes on my back, and you can throw her ten grand?” my voice starts to quiver.

“She’s a stupid bitch. She got money every month to take care of you girls. It wasn’t until you moved here I knew how bad it was, Ember. I’m sorry for not protecting you. But, now, I can take care of you, and the money is only money. My concern is you.”

I’m furious. My hands start to shake with pure rage. “So, what? She gets off that easy? More hard earned money that you and Dad have, and she gets a free pass- again? That’s absolutely ludacris!” I practically shout.

Chloe’s eyes grow wide at my outburst. “Thad and I agreed to do whatever it takes to protect you. For the first time ever, you’re living the life you deserve. She’s not going to disrupt that.”

I open my mouth to argue more, but Robbie covers my hand and questions her. “Is this the end of her then? No more?”

“I called her today and told her the terms of my deal. She agreed to stay away from us.”

“Then this is a good thing.”