“That’s not our fault. All our lives, you’ve controlled absolutely everything about us. You even told Pete’s mother where my new home was so he could send me letters. Aftereverythinghe did, why would you do that?” Hayleigh’s voice cracks, and I go to move towards her, but Archie’s arm flies out as he holds me back, a subtle shake of his head.
She needs to do this alone. The words unspoken between us.
Morgana straightens up. “Oh,please.You blew that whole situation way out of proportion, and a good man, an honest man, was put away becauseyoucouldn’t handle being less.” Morgana looks down her nose at all of us before settling back on Hayleigh. “You’vealwaysbeen less, Hayleigh, and that willneverchange. You’re nothing to your father and me,nothing.”
Hayleigh seems to stand taller. “I feel sorry for you, Morgana. You’re the one who has nothing left, not me; I have my family behind me, and so does Thea. You can’t hurt us anymore, and you’ll never see us again. Goodbye.” She turns and walks through us to her car, clearly dismissing her mother.
I grab my car key out of my pocket, handing it to Archie. “I’m gonna drive back with Hayleigh and Thea.”
Thea interrupts us, her voice sad. “Actually, if it’s okay, I’ll drive back with them. Hayleigh needs you right now.” I nod in response.
Hayleigh waits for me at her car, her head down as she takes deep breaths. I place my finger under her chin and encourage her to look up as I ask. “Do you want me to drive?” She nods, soI open the passenger door for her, helping her in, then leaning inside and buckling her seat belt. A soft smile reaches her lips when I do.
I get into the driver's seat and adjust the seat all the way back before starting the car. I put it in gear, but don’t set off yet. I turn my head to her. “You’re sure?”
She nods. “I’m sure. I’m ready to go home.” Then she places her hand on my thigh and smiles at me.
Home.She’s home.
Chapter 32
Hayleigh
Six weeks later…
“Who’s a beautiful baby girl? You are, yes you are, yes you–” I stop what I’m doing because the look on baby Penny’s face tells me she’s either about to fill her nappy or fill my top with puke.
Lacey giggles next to me. “Here, let me put this on your top.” She places a square piece of cloth over my t-shirt right before Penny spits up her milk.How does she still look so cute?
Lacey gave birth to Penny four weeks ago, and since then, seeing her become a mum has been absolutely amazing to watch. She’s a natural, and Cole is a natural girl, Dad.
Speaking of, he walks over and holds his arms out. “Here, I’ll take her to get cleaned up.” I gently hand her over and fold up the cloth square, thanking god that there’s no sick on my clothes.
I turn to Lacey. “How are you feeling?”
Her smile is dreamy. “I feel great, still a little sore, but nothing compares to seeing her beautiful face.”
We both look over to where Cole gently cleans her up. He lifts her, and she scrunches in on herself as he places a kiss on her cheek.
I shake my head. “Holy shit, that’s enough to make even my ovaries explode.”
Lacey laughs and sighs. “He’s so amazing. I don’t know why I didn’t tell him I loved him sooner. Speaking of love, how’s Nate?”
I roll my eyes. “Subtle, Lacey.” But despite myself, I laugh. “He’s amazing, too. I finally feel alive again.”
She pats my leg. “Well, I for one am glad you feel alive again. I don’t ever want to see you like you’ve been this past year. Everything you’ve been through has been for a reason, some of it shitty, but in the end, you won. Remember that.”
I did.
I’ve almost completed my list, but now what?
As I watch Lacey and Cole together with Penny, I know one thing for sure.
I love Nate Peterson, and I’m going to tell him.
**********
I sit in my car outside of Nate and Archie’s home, contemplating how I want to tell him when my phone pings with a message.
