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“Actually, I was thinking of a place Loren would really like,” I venture. “If that’s cool with you, Landry.”
He frowns. “Well, Mom’s already …”
Loren’s eyes narrow as he trails off. “You invited Mom? After I told you I didn’t want to see her?”
“You owe it to her?—”
“I don’t owe her anything,” Loren retorts, crossing her arms over her middle, and I step forward and drape my arm across her lower back. “She lost her rights when she stopped showing up for me.”
“Come on, Lo. I know she’s done a shit job, but she’s still your mother. Don’t you think you’ll regret keeping her away from your kids? Isn’t that a little selfish?”
“Hold on, now,” I interrupt, stepping forward and lifting my hand in front of Landry’s face. “If anyone’s working on regrets, it’s you, Reed. Say another word to upset my girlfriend and you won’t feel like talking again for a while.”
I hold Landry’s gaze for a few more seconds until I feel Loren’s fingers fumbling for mine behind me, and the red tint clears from my line of vision once I clasp her hand.
“Yeah, fine. I’m sorry. I overstepped,” Landry mutters dryly.
Loren sighs. “It’s okay. I know you meant well.”
I turn to face her, standing with my back to Landry. “We don’t have to go anywhere you don’t want to, babe. Like you said, you don’t owe your family anything.”
She forces a sad smile. “As much as I hate to admit it, he’s partially right. Maybe we should just get this over with while we’re in town.” Then she squeezes my hand, and I realize what she’s trying to tell me, that she wants me with her.
“Okay, if you’re sure. I’ll take you wherever you want to go.”
She nods. “I know.” She leans around me and looks at Landry. “We’ll text you the address of the restaurant Blake mentioned. Mom can come if she wants.”
He clears his throat. “We’ll meet you there.”
I lead Loren out to the parking lot, only letting go of her hand once I’ve helped her into my truck.
“Blake,” she begins, staring at me and looking more vulnerable than I’m used to seeing her. “Thank you. You don’t have to …”
“I can’t help it,” I reply, and it’s like there’s a magnet drawing me in closer. I lean in to press my lips to hers for the second time today, and it’s getting harder and harder to pull away.
Her eyelashes flutter, and she licks her lips as I close the door and walk around to the other side. But Landry stops me before I open the door.
“Hold on,” he calls out. “You and I need to talk first.”
I run my eyes over him before I nod, reaching in my pocket to remote start my truck so that Loren won’t hear what we’re about to say. “Go ahead, Landry. Talk.”
“I don’t know what kind of hold you think you have on my sister, but I’m not going to let you hurt her.”
“You think I’m the one hurting her?” I stare incredulously. “Loren just found out that she has to choose between her job, which she loves, and the safety of herself and her babies. Not to mention, on top of the life-threatening condition, she was just told that one of the twins isn’t growing properly and to prepare for a premature cesarean delivery. Your sister is freaking terrified right now, and you’ve got the nerve to barge in and pester her about your mom’s feelings. What about Loren’s feelings? Don’t you think she’s already torn up about not having her mother by her side throughout all of this?”
He scoffs. “You’re the one who put her in danger in the first place.”
“Maybe I did. Maybe I am selfish. But I’ve liked Loren for so long that I didn’t hesitate when she finally gave me a shot. And I plan to spend the rest of my life taking care of her and our daughters, whether you like it or not.”
“Come on, man. Stop acting like you know what’s best for her or that you understand anything about our family.”
I shake my head. “You still don’t get it, do you? She doesn’t need you to fight her battles. Your sister is actually pretty good at holding her own, at least when you’re not bullying her around. So why don’t you get your head out of your ass long enough to ask her what she really wants and try supporting her for once?”
“And if I ask, you think she’ll say she wantsyou?” He laughs.
I look away, and my eyes meet Loren’s through the window. She’s watching with concern, so I attempt to soften my expression. “I think she’d say she’s overwhelmed. But she’s also learning that taking care of herself is the only way to keep her babies safe and healthy. She’s going to say that she wants to see your mom another time, when she’s ready.” Then I turn back to face Landry. “And since it’s my job to protect my family, I’m taking her home.”
He cocks an eyebrow at me. “Yourfamily?”
