Page 129 of The One Who Never Left: Colter

“No,” Jo said firmly. “Colter will cool down. He will think this through and remember that protecting her heart includes keeping her mother in her life.”

“You didn’t see his face.”

“We don’t have to,” Vivi said. “We know his heart. He’s stubborn and loyal and sometimes defensive. Once he cries into a whiskey glass and blows off the steam he will come back to reason.”

“He said love doesn’t include secrets. That family doesn’t include manipulation.”

“And he wasn’t wrong,” Vivi said gently. “But love also includes forgiveness. And family includes repair. Look at me and Boone.”

Sutton stood too fast, pacing the living room. Her vision blurred. “I can’t stay here. I can’t wait for a sheriff’s deputy to knock on my door with paperwork. I can’t sit still while someone decides if I deserve my own daughter.”

Jo stood. “Sutton, do not run.”

“That’s what I do,” Sutton whispered. “When life gets too dangerous, when hearts are on the line, when my daughter’s future is in jeopardy, I run.”

Vivi stood too, blocking her path toward the door. “Running would be punishing Lynlee. She has roots now. Teachers and friends, and holidays to look forward to. You move and you rip that out from under her.”

Sutton shook her head helplessly. “I will never let anyone take her from me.”

“No one is taking her,” Vivi insisted.

“He might because he can.”

Jo put her hands on Sutton’s shoulders. “Then fight here. Not by disappearing or tearing Lynlee out of a life she deserves. Stay and fight.”

“I’m all out of fight,” Sutton whispered. “I’m empty.”

But the truth rang under her ribs; she wasn’t empty—she was terrified.

And terror felt like running.

CHAPTER 48

Therapy in Secession

SATURDAY, 7:14 PM

Boone: You coming by for dinner or what? Granny made her pot roast. Said if you don't show up she's donating your portion to the church

Colter:

Eli: You good? After the way you left Sutton's in a hurry earlier, I have to ask, is everything ok

Colter:

Boone: Dude

Boone: Seriously, you good?

Eli: He's probably just drowning in Dream Girl again *LOL emoji*

Colter:

Eli: Bro, are you alive? You’re not even doing the dots thing

Boone: At least send a middle finger emoji

Eli: Right?