Page 190 of What Started In Deception

Sniffling again, she held him tighter. “I hated everything about that, but I’m glad it’s all out in the open. We don’t have to keep secrets anymore.”

He kissed the top of her head. “No, we don’t. Everyone knows the facts. We can rebuild from there.”

She nodded. “I still haven’t talked to Uncle James, Aunt Cindy, and Gram-Gram. I still haven’t made things right with them.”

“So, let’s see if they want to get together for dinner some night this week. We’ll drive up and sit down with them, clear the air, and explain everything better. That way we can all move on.”

She nodded. “I like that idea.” She eased slightly back. “What was Will talking about when he mentioned Monroe House—when he said he’d give Mac the full picture?”

He winced, remembering that Lydia didn’t know all that there was to know either. He’d left her hanging on the day that she asked him to leave the pool house. “It’s sort of a long story about Richard Russo and how the FBI was going to do Will dirty. I can explain on our drive back.”

She nodded. “Sure.”

He brushed at the tears drying on her cheeks. “Do you want to lie down and snuggle up for a while? Or we could take a walk and get some fresh air. Or DC air anyway.”

She smiled. “I think we should pack and go home.”

He kissed her. “I like the sound of that.”

She stroked her fingers along his cheek. “Thank you, Ty. For falling on your sword for me. You took most of the brunt of that.”

“As I should have, Lyd. I did put you in a no-win situation.”

She shook her head. “You’ve been honest and honorable since the moment we met. You took care of my family and me. You’re a good man, Ty. For that alone, I could love you. But I love you for so much more.”

Damn, he was crazy about this woman. “That’s all I need, Lyd, is you loving me.” He kissed her. “Let’s pack and go home.”

Lydia put the last of the pants and shirts that she’d moved from some of her drawers onto the hangers in her closet while Ty cleaned up dinner downstairs.

She smiled as she glanced to the opposite side of the walk-in space—to Ty’s side—where all his button-downs, suit jackets, and slacks hung in a neat row.

His shoes were tucked away on several of the shelves, his drawers were full, and his bathroom items were mixed in with hers. “Right where you belong,” she whispered as she shut off the light and walked back into the bedroom.

Her smile disappeared as she sat on the edge of the bed, thinking of the agonizing conversation that she and Ty had had with Mac and Will earlier in the day. The truth was officially out in the open, but the air was hardly clear between the four of them.

Sighing, she pulled her phone from her back pocket, hesitating before she pressed on Mac’s smiling face in her texts. She paused with her thumbs on the screen before she started to type.

I just wanted to say again that I’m so sorry, Mac. I never ever wanted to hurt you. I never ever wanted to lie to you. I love you.

Three dots appeared as Mac typed back.

I love you, too. Will and I talked some more, then we spoke with Cindy and James. I understand the position you were put in. I also know that Ty risked his career to help Will. But all of this is a lot, especially with everything else that’s going on. I need some time.

She sniffled as she read Mac’s reply. Okay.

The kids and I are going back to Mass with Will at some point in the next couple of weeks. He’s staying in the pool house while we try to work things out. Maybe we can talk next week.

She raised her brow as she read Mac’s next reply, having so many questions about what all of that meant, but answers would have to wait. I’m here whenever you’re ready.

Okay.

She set the phone on the bed as Ty tapped his knuckles on the doorframe.

“Knock, knock.”

She turned her head, sending him a small smile as their eyes met. “Hi.”

“Hey,” he said, smiling back as he walked her way. He stopped in front of her and captured her hands, pulling her to her feet. “What’s going on?”