“You never mean to do shit, do you? Your wife is as much of an opportunist as you. There’s a name for that.”
A week ago
“The doctor said the EKG shows no sign of a heart attack.” Cori exhales at her father’s words. “They think it was a panic attack.”
“Oh, thank goodness.” I pull Cori into my arms and try to soothe her. “What caused it? Mom’s never had panic attacks before.”
Leander dabs his shiny forehead with a handkerchief. “They say stress.” He stares at Cori after saying those words. She gasps, and she looks away in shame. I step between them.
“Cori is not the cause of your wife’s stress.”
“She told her off and said she was through with us. You don’t think a mother losing her daughter is stressful?”
“I don’t give a damn what Cori said. She’s not the cause. The seeds you and your wife planted have sown. Look in the fucking mirror. She caused her own stress.”
Leander raises both hands and takes a step back. “I’m sorry. You’re right about it not being Cori’s fault.”
Ruby, who was sleeping soundly in the stroller, starts to fuss.
“You should be ashamed of yourself as a parent.” I decide not to hold back.
“Daxton, I don’t need you to critique my parenting.” He hangs his head and takes a step back. He lifts Ruby from the stroller, but her whines turn into loud cries. He bounces her and walks around, but nothing helps.
“Where is Devin?” It almost hurts my head to ask that question.
“He hasn’t been home since you beat him up.” The statement comes off as accusatory, but I don’t take the bait. I’d beat that little asshole’s ass again if I had to.
Tears spill from the baby’s eyes.
“Just take her,” Cori whispers. “I know you want to.” The words are barely out of her mouth when I snatch her from her grandfather. The cries turn into a low whine.
“I think she’s hungry.” I kiss Ruby’s cheek. “Are you hungry, sweetheart?”
“I’ll take her to the cafeteria and get something.” Cori’s words shock me. She gestures for me to give her the baby, and I do. “Your mom should be done talking to Josie. I’ll have her come with me. I’ll bring you something.” She kisses my cheek and walks away.
Leander stands in the corner with unshed tears in his eyes. He looks down, and his shoulders sag.
“I didn’t want to say anything in front of Cori, but Devin texted and said he’s not coming back.”
“When did he do that?”
“A few hours ago. I texted him about his mother. He said to keep him updated, but he won’t come home.”
“What about his child?”
Leander shrugs. “I don’t know what we’re going to do. I have duties. Annette is in no condition to look after a baby. She’s still recovering, and she doesn’t need the stress.”
Now
“I need to talk to you both.” He hands me Ruby and tries to come inside the shop, but I don’t move from the door. “I come in peace.” He raises both hands. He looks tiredand haggard. He also looks like he’s put on weight, but I keep the last part to myself.
“Why does this mutt keep following me?” Cori’s voice sounds light, and Finch’s bark follows it. “Look at the yellow skirt I made for Finch.” Ruby jolts and lets out a big belly laugh. Cori stops when she sees her father. “Is Mom okay?”
I’m certain this isn’t about her mother. She’s home, and we saw her last night. It was a brief but strained visit. Cori brought flowers and kept the conversation superficial. Annette fell asleep after about half an hour, and we left.
“Your mother’s fine. I want to talk to you and Dax.” As the words leave his mouth, my mother, Selene, and Eden join us. Selene and Eden both hug Leander.
“Cori was training us in case she needs us to work here,” Selene says.
