“I won’t do that,” I say in defeat.
“Did you buy that motel chain from the Mitchells?”
“That deal is almost final.”
“You’re just like them.” The words hit me harder than the slap she just gave me. “You use me, my feelings be damned.”
“I want to give you everything you’ve ever wanted.”
“Except I never asked you to give me a damn thing, but I’m going to take them. I’m not stupid. I’m going to take whatever my divorce lawyer can get me, and I’m going to stay right here in Shadow Cove. Every time you see me, you’ll be reminded of what you did. And one day, maybe I’ll meet someone who treats me like I matter, and not a pawn in a game I never wanted to play.”
She tries to leave the living room, but I block her. Mom quickly stands between us. She shoves me away and wraps Cori in her arms. My wife leans into my mother and cries on her shoulder.
The sounds that come out of her are raw. Each sound is like a knife wound, and the only reason I’m not freaking out is that she’s finding comfort in the arms of my mother.
Mom makes soothing noises and gently walks her back to the couch, where she continues to hold her through her heart-wrenching sobs.
“It’s okay, baby. Let it out.” Mom rubs the back of Cori’s neck like she used to do mine when I was upset as a kid. “I know you’re hurt. It’s okay. A good cry can be so cleansing. Let it out.”
Chapter 51
Cori
I don’t know how long Haddie holds me, but I find comfort in her embrace. She feels warm, and her concern for me seems genuine, but Daxton is still her son, so I need to remember that.
After a while, she pulls away, looks into my eyes, and wipes my tears with her thumbs.
“Do you feel better?” I nod my head.
“I do. I’m going to pack and call Selene.” I try to get up, but she holds me.
“You’re not about to leave me,” the most annoying voice says, but I’m done talking to him. “I can explain. I didn’t realize how your family treated you. I wanted—”
“Just shut up,” I hiss. I guess I’m not done talking. “I’m sosickof the sound of your voice. Zip it.”
“Welcome back, sweetheart,” Haddie says with a laugh. “That’s my girl. Get on my son’s neck because he deserves it.”
“Mom, please.” Dax stands and paces in front of us. “Cori, I married you for one reasonand—”
“Son, leave Cori and me alone for a few minutes. I want to talk to her.” Haddie looks at her son, and they have a silent conversation with just their eyes.
“I need to talk to my wife. I have some things I need to say.”
“I don’t want to hear a word out of you,” I mutter. Haddie pulls me close, and I rest my head on her shoulder.
“Let me talk to her first,” Haddie says as if she’s talking to a child. “Go.” She points away from us. Dax raises both hands and starts to walk backward.
“I’ll only be a few feet away.” He leaves the room, but he stands just outside of it. He leans against the wall with his arms crossed. I lift my head from her shoulder and take her hands.
“We’ll still have a relationship, right? You’re not going to dump me the same way I’m about to dump your son.” I squeeze her hand. “I really love you, Haddie.”
“You’re not about to dump me,” Dax says from a few feet away. Deciding I’m done talking to him again, I ignore him.
“Boy, if you don’t keep your mouth shut. Didn’t you hear Cori tell you to zip it?” Haddie mimics zipping her lips. She squeezes my hands. “You’ll never lose me. I feel the same way about you as I feel about Josie, but we need to talk.”
“Okay.”
“First, I want to tell you that I acknowledge your pain and hurt. Everything you said is valid.”
