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I shook my head. “I want to start fresh. The fewer memories of Kim…the better. We stopped at Haverty’s Furniture on the way here and Chloe picked out a brand-new bedroom set. It will be delivered on Saturday.”
My mother smiled. “Oh, she’ll love that! I’m sorry you couldn’t bring your things.”
With a weak smile, I replied, “It’s not a big deal.”
Kim had never physically abused Chloe, but mentally she had done a number on both of us. Her constant screaming had grown worse as the years ticked by. But she also stayed away more, giving both Chloe and me a much-needed break. I had been having a private detective follow Kim in the hopes of catching her in an affair.
When she showed up to my job one day with divorce papers and legal paperwork signing all parental rights over to me, I wanted to jump for joy. Once she figured she wasn’t getting a dime of money from my family, she realized she had better things to do with her life. Chloe and I weren’t part of the plan and that was fine by me. I’d wasted over six years of my life on a relationship that had started out as a desperate attempt to fuck Paxton out of my mind. Look where that shit got me.
My mother shook her head as we walked toward the front door where Amelia and Chloe had disappeared. “I still don’t understand how a mother could walk away from her child.”
“It was easy. She never wanted a daughter. Chloe was a bargaining tool to Kim, not a child.”
We entered the large foyer, my heart about to burst because my father was holding Chloe up as she laughed. My whole family had flown out to Oregon right after Chloe was born, unfortunately giving Kim ideas about my family’s money. My parents had come to visit twice a year the first few years of Chloe’s life and never questioned why I couldn’t bring Chloe to Texas. Then when Kim went full force bat-shit crazy, I had to get creative with my parents’ trips. We had gone on a few weekend camping trips where my folks had met up with us. Chloe had been old enough to know it had to be kept a secret from Kim. I hated making Chloe keep such a secret, but it was necessary if I wanted to keep her in my parents’ life and get us away from Kim. Other than the few visits, only Skype calls kept Chloe involved in their world. She had loved calling my brothers and sisters and was so excited to finally meet them all.
“The princess is finally home!” my father said, beaming.
I’d never seen Chloe look so happy. “Where are all my uncles?”
Everyone laughed.
My father spun his granddaughter around and set her on the large table that stood in the middle of the foyer. “Tonight, princess. You’ll see them all tonight at dinner.”
It was my mother’s turn to shower Chloe with attention. “Oh, we are going to have so much fun! I think you should have your own area of the garden, Chloe.”
With a gasp, Chloe nodded in excitement then did some sort of happy dance while my parents took it all in. My little sister, Amelia, gave me a sweet smile. I stood back and took her in. Pictures of her over the years didn’t do her beauty justice.
“Holy shit. You’re a grown woman.”
She blushed. “Well, I was only twelve when you left.”
My heart dropped. “I’m sorry, Meli. I’m sorry I left you.”
Tilting her head, the grin grew wider. “I had four other brothers to take care of me.”
I shook my head as I brushed her strawberry-blonde hair from her face. “My little sister. A New York Times bestselling author.” She blushed again, and I kissed her on the forehead. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Aunt Meli! Will you read me one of your books tonight before bedtime?”
Amelia laughed. “How about we read one of my favorite bedtime stories instead?”
Chloe pouted then smiled. “Is it about horses? Or cows? Or goats?”
Turning to give me a questioning look, I replied, “Chloe is somewhat obsessed with the idea of living amongst the cows, horses, and goats.”
Amelia walked up to Chloe and picked her up off the table. “Then I suggest we head down to the horse barn. I’ll introduce you to my favorite pony on the ranch. Stanley.”
Jumping with excitement, Chloe turned to me. “May I go, Daddy? Please?”
“Of course, you can.”
My mother kissed Chloe on the cheek. “Have fun and remember, Amelia, back to school night is tonight, and we’re heading there before dinner.”
Amelia was about to say something when my mother shook her head. Frowning, Amelia glanced between our mom and me.
Chloe broke out into a dance. “I’m startin’ kindergarten. I’m a big girl! I’m gonna go to school!”
Everyone chuckled at Chloe’s outburst, everyone except for me. I groaned and shook my head. I wasn’t ready for any of this.
