A child’s cry pierces the air, and Chloe shakes her head. “I guess that’s my time alone gone.”
“Sorry to interrupt.”
She laughs. “You never have to apologise, Caleb. I love seeing you. Thank you for trusting me with your news.”
One of the girls—I’m not sure which one wails again, and Chloe disappears upstairs to go and get her. Or them. I’m not sure how she does it with two children so close together, but she always seems so calm and together.
I’ll never have that in my life—knowing what it’s like to have babies of my own.
I missed all that with Noah.
Hannah comes running into the room, followed by Chloe holding Eve.
“Tayleb,” she screeches.
Hannah holds her arms up and I pull the little girl onto my lap. She wraps her arms around my neck and plants a big, sloppy kiss on my cheek.
“How’s my girl?” I ask.
Surrounded by family—this is what I need.
Emma has her children, but it breaks my heart to think about what they’ve all been through. Something tells me I still don’t have the full story about the control her late husband wielded over his family.
When I find out, I think the rage inside will build even more.
Chloe’s right. I need a constructive way to get it out without taking it out on Emma.
But I can be there for her—for all of them.
In whatever capacity that turns out to be.
After I leave Chloe’s, I call Sean from the car.
“Hey, stranger,” he says.
“Hey, have you got time to spar for a bit this evening? I’ve got a lot going on and I need to get some of it out.”
He chuckles. “You read my mind. Today has been hell on a stick. About seven?”
“Sounds good.”
“I’ll book it. I’ll text you to confirm.”
I’m not feeling sociable when I reach home. If I tell my parents in my current mood, the moment will be tainted with my anger.
I don’t want them to learn about Noah that way.
Instead, I went through the McDonald’s drive through on the way home and picked up something to eat before I retreat to my cabin.
Chloe’s right. I do need to get this out of my system. I’m not even sure I can identify all the emotions swirling around in me.
But the anger needs to go.
My phone buzzes with Sean’s confirmation.
I’ve heard enough about Emma’s past life to know I’d only make things worse if I take it out on her.
What a mess.
