One thing is certain: I need to regain control before I can ever go back to Harmony Glen.
Chapter Six
LORI
The twins turned eleven today, and the worst possible gift arrived.
Seth Manning was the decision I regret most in my life. Of course, we were both young, and he was my first love. Married right out of high school, he started drinking before he was even of legal age, and things got worse. When I found out I was pregnant, I cried. I was stupid to bring a child into a house with an alcoholic. I never had to worry about that. A week after I told Seth he was going to be a father, he was gone.
He only shows up when he needs something, usually money. Today, he waltzed in as if showing up for his daughters’ birthday was completely normal. Not only had he combed his hair and cleaned up, but he also brought some floozie with him.
Neither one of them can hide the base smell of booze and cigarettes that lingers in their skin.
The house and yard were already full of friends and neighbors, and I didn’t want to make a scene. Lucky for me, Max is here, and he’s keeping an eye on Seth and his girlfriend, Gerry.
They both immediately went for the beer and wine. Not that I expect anything else. The only time Seth gets sober is when his stupidity lands him in jail. I only know this because when that happens, I get the bail money call.
Of course, I tell him to go to hell, but he still tries to charm me.
I’ll never regret having my girls, but I wish I could have given them a decent human being as a father. My mistake has had long-term effects.
Checking the yard, I find Dotty and Livi happily playing on the swings with Willa’s daughter. They each jump and chase around the yard. They’re happy, smart kids, I remind myself as Gerry’s snorting laugh and harsh southern twang reach me.
“I see you have assembled most of the town for a special event.” Ion’s deep, soft voice is such a stark contrast to my jumbled insides that I startle.
I turn to face him. “You’re back?”
“As you see.” His smile warms places inside me that I should forget about. Or at least push aside where he’s concerned.
He doesn’t want me.
“When did you get home?” Small talk is awful, but I’m nervous. He always makes me feel out of sorts, though usually in the best possible way.
“Last night. I apologize for not offering my RSVP. Mari informed me of the party.” His upper arm brushes mine.
A shiver runs through me at the contact. Why must the one man I want be a millennial-old vampire who could never want a single mother of two? “I’m glad you could be here. The twins will be thrilled.”
As if on cue, Dotty and Olivia spot Ion and scream his name as they run toward the back patio.
He crouches to give each of them a hug and wishes them a happy birthday.
Seth pops the top on his fourth beer in forty minutes since he arrived. He looks Ion up and down. “So, are you the new guy?”
The girls look from Ion to their father, and worry crosses their sweet faces.
“Go play with your friends.” Ion ruffles each of their hair before he stands and raises one eyebrow. He stares a long moment at Seth. “I am Ion Radu, and you are?”
“I’m the guy who gave Lori my name.” He grabs Gerry around the waist and pulls her close. “Seth Manning, and this is my girl, Gerry.”
Gerry pushes her very large breasts out as far as they’ll go, which puts the buttons on her blouse in jeopardy of failure. She lifts a hand as if she expects it to be kissed. “A pleasure.”
Taking her hand, Ion shakes it gently. “How do you do?”
The false giggle that comes from Gerry twists my stomach. “Ain’t you all proper and formal?”
Ion’s gaze shifts back to Seth. “Your daughters are wonderful girls. I’m surprised not to have met you before now.”
“I’m a busy man.” Seth frowns. “I come by when I can. It doesn’t help that Lori up and moved them to a freak show of a town up here in the middle of nothing.” He says it loud enough that all my monster friends can hear him.
