Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers 1)

I mentally think through all the Kendrick birthdays, but none of them are close, so this must be some other sort of celebration. There isn’t much time to think about it because, in a second, I’m engulfed in strong arms as Warren hugs me tight.

“Darby Rose,” he grumbles in my ear. “All grown up and still pretty as a picture.”

“Warren.” I kiss his cheek when he sets me back on my feet.

“Are you having dinner here?” Jill gives me a short embrace.

“Not exactly. I provided the desserts tonight.”

Mr. Rosen takes the opportunity to launch into the selections, and I catch the twinkle in Warren’s eye when my chocolate raspberry tart is mentioned.

“Honey, it’s your job to keep me from overeating to save room for dessert,” he tells Jill.

All through this exchange, I can’t miss the way Miller is glowering, nor the anger filling the small space between us. He hasn’t said a word, but the tension in his body says it all. The best thing to do would be to shut this down and get away as quickly as possible without being rude.

“I shouldn’t keep you from your reservations,” I offer.

“Oh, we’re early. I wanted to have a drink before dinner anyway. Maybe you could join us.” Warren gestures toward the bar.

Miller’s jaw gets tight, and his eyes flicker with annoyance, while Jill goes statue still, her face paling.

“I can’t tonight, but maybe another time.”

“We insist. Let us buy you a glass of wine.”

“Honey, Darby is busy. Let’s let her get back to her work.” Jill’s voice is nervous, and she grabs Warren’s wrist.

“The annual Kendrick dinner. The Kendricks have been coming for years to celebrate the end of the school year with their grandchildren. We have a standing reservation,” Mr. Rosen boasts beside me.

It all falls into place. Pierce is coming here with his children to meet the family. His… children… are… on … their… way.

My vision gets blurry at the same time I dip down to grab my bag. My head bangs on the lower lip of the bar, and I groan at the pain radiating through me. There’s going to be a knot on my scalp, but I can’t think about that right now. I have to get out of here.

Jill reaches an arm around my elbow, bringing me up to her face, which is edged with compassion. “Are you okay?”

“Y-y-yes, thank you. I need to leave.”

“Darby, I had no idea…” She trails off when Miller reaches around his mother and takes my hand. He speaks over me to Mr. Rosen.

“We’re going out the back entrance.”

Mr. Rosen nods, looking shaken, and I have no choice but to trudge behind Miller as he pulls me through the bar. My eyes do a sweep of the area, and I can’t help the muffled scream that escapes at the scene in the front windows.

Pierce is there, climbing out of his truck, dressed in black slacks and a grey button-down shirt. He slams the door at the same time two children run into him, throwing their arms around him like he is the best thing in their world. Connie Webber follows with a foul expression, stabbing her finger in the air. But I can’t tear my eyes from Pierce, who shelters his kids with his arms and turns them to the restaurant.

I think there’s a crash of something near, and I realize Miller is now carrying me, hitting a door as he takes me out.

“I’m okay.” It comes out so faint; I wonder if he can hear.

“I’m going to put you down. I’m going to go get your car and bring it back here so you can leave.”

I shudder when he sets me to the ground. “I’m fine to walk around the building and drive myself.” My voice cracks.

“I think you are a bitch, but I think less of Connie. She’s going to worm her way into our night, been planting the seeds since she found out you breezed back into town. If she catches sight of you, it’s going to be hell on wheels with Pierce. I’m doing this for my family. Give me your keys.”

“No.” I straighten my shoulders and look into the angriest blues eyes I’ve ever seen. They are full of hatred, disgust, and absolution.

“Goddammit, Darby, give me your keys. Pierce doesn’t deserve the only dinner of the year that celebrates Maya and Cole’s accomplishments to be marred with your stubbornness!”

At the mention of their names, I curl into myself and throw my arm around my stomach. My fingers go into the small pocket of the bag and hand over the fob. He leaves without a second look, apparently ready for me to be out if his sight.

Miller and I loved each other at one time. But when I was pregnant, everything changed. Pierce has no idea how his brother altered my way of thinking of leading our way into parenthood, and even then, I always loved Miller.