Ma’s eyes widened slightly. “Isabelle?”
I gaped. “You knew?”
“It wasn’t hard to figure out. Just like it wasn’t difficult to find out he’d been laundering money for some of his very wealthy clients.”
“What?”
“Stew used that information to get him to sign the guardianship papers.”
Well, damn. That was unexpected information. “Fraud, huh? Why didn’t you turn him in?”
“We had to make a choice. Him losing his money and reputation, or your safety. Of course, we were prepared to fight to keep you with us, but there was always a chance that you’d have to move with your mother or some distant relative or even foster care. Honestly, I feared you wouldn’t last in an environment like that. You’d already been through so much. You needed stability and love. And we wanted you here.”
I’d always wondered what they’d done to convince my father to sign the petition. I knew he hated to lose, even though he didn’t really want me. Now, I knew why. “Thank you,” I whispered. “Thank you for accepting me into your home.”
“Ourhome. This is your home, too, Love. You belong here.”
“Sometimes I wondered what I’d done to deserve parents like them. Was I a bad kid? Hardheaded? Did I not listen when I was supposed to? Did I complain too much? Am I good enough?”
“Oh, Love. I’m so sorry you felt that way.”
“For so long, I just wanted to escape.” I sucked in a breath. “That night when I left, I didn’t even care if I froze to death. I just knew I needed to run. I came here knowing you were out of town and prayed that the key would be where Dallas said it was. But Tristan and Duke were here. And my life changed that day for the better. I can’t thank you enough for saving my life.”
Ma hugged me again, squeezing me tight. “It’s okay.”
“I’m such a crybaby today,” I sniffed, before pulled back. “I mean, it’s like a faucet. Flowing freely.”
“Crying isn’t a sign of weakness, Love. It’s a show of strength. You are stronger than you know. Stronger than most. So, go ahead and let it out.”
I nibbled on my bottom lip. “Thank you for loving me, Ma.”
She cradled my face in her palms. “You never have to thank me for that. I ride for mine.”
“Ma!” I laughed. “You’ve been hanging out with Raven too much.”
“Hey, I thought I was doing a good job.”
“You are.”
We drank our tea in silence for a moment. Until Ma asked, “Do you want to know why I call you Love?”
I wiped my nose with my sleeve and nodded. “Is it going to make me cry?”
“Maybe. But I think it’s time for you to know.”
“Okay.”
“When you and Dallas became close, even though you were with your father, I knew you needed me. I was certain of it. I had no idea how things would transpire, but I’m so grateful that you came to us when you felt the need to escape that environment. It gave us the opportunity to love you the way you deserve to be loved. I decided in that moment to call you Love because I want to always affirm that youareloved. You are just as important as Tristan, Paityn, Duke, Dallas, Dex, Bliss, Blake, and Asa. I know I didn’t give birth to you, but Iamyour mother. Never forget that.”
I closed my eyes. “You are.”
Ma brushed tears from my cheeks. “I’ll always be that for you. Even if you marry my son.”
I choked out a laugh. “Marry your son?”
“I do have eyes. I saw that kiss Duke gave you today. It wasn’t a kiss on the lips, but it told me all I needed to know.”
“What’s that?”
