Page 71 of Jonny’s Redemption

Macy had known the truth a long damn time.

“Why didn’t you say anything to me?”

Macy didn’t lift her head but Jonny didn’t miss the way she pinched her eyes closed.

“Because he made me promise I wouldn’t say anything. He lied and told me you and Anita didn’t know and if I told you it would tear the family apart. He lied and lied and lied. He used it as his get out of jail free card. He drank too much, it was because his father was hiding who he really was from his wife and son. He gambled away a paycheck, it was because his father had cheated on his mother and married another woman. He screamed and yelled and got in my face because his father didn’t love him. It was twisted and ugly. Every day I felt like shit keeping the secret. But I didn’t know how to tell you. I didn’t know if I should. All I knew, Jonny, was it hurt so damn bad.

“Then he died and Calvin died and I wanted to tell you but I was afraid you’d hate me. I was scared you might not believe me. I couldn’t lose you. Rory and Caleb couldn’t lose you. I didn’t know what to do about any of it. Then Anita got arrested and you all were trying to hide her problems so I kept quiet that I knew she was an alcoholic. Doug didn’t tell me that, but she didn’t hide it as well as she thought she did. I was so worried and disgusted with myself that I’d waited so long but I knew I had to tell you. And maybe I was waiting until I knew you had someone that would help you get through all the pain.”

Christ.

They’d been thinking along the same lines, not wanting to pile the truckload of hurt and lies on the other until it was safe to do so.

“Now you have Bobby and I knew I could tell you.” Macy finally lifted her head and fixed her stare on Jonny. “I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for. Actually, neither of us do. Calvin and Doug put us here. This whole fucked-up mess is because of them. I’m not saying I didn’t play my part, I kept the lie going. I was complicit in their bullshit. That part’s on me. But the rest is on them. I think we’ve both had enough and it’s time we let it go.”

“I agree.” Macy nodded. “I have to tell you one more thing. No, two more things.”

Macy paused and looked over at Alec, and when Bobby hummed Jonny knew she saw the same thing he did—everything about Alec Hall’s demeanor changed. The gruffness left his features and his eyes softened when he smiled at his wife.

It might make Jonny a son of a bitch, asshole brother but he was happy Doug was gone and Macy’s years of misery were over. He was happy that she’d moved on and found a man who deserved her kindness. But he rejoiced every day his niece and nephew had a good man in their lives—a good father to teach and guide them.

“A few weeks ago,” Macy started. “I broke down and told Alec. I wasn’t trying to talk behind your back, Jonny, but I had to get it off my chest. I’d held it in for so long it was eating me up inside.”

Jonny’s gaze snapped to Alec’s.

Fucking, fuck, fuck.

Alec had been in an impossible situation. Smack dab between Jonny and Macy. His friend and his wife. Both sharing a secret that wasn’t even a secret seeing as they both knew. And Alec had kept quiet, the only person who knew the truth, the real truth.

A truth Alec—his friend—did not share, not even with his wife.

Brotherhood.

Jesus.

Once Jonny was able to shove the lump in his throat down where it belonged, he spoke.

“You shouldn’t have had to keep that secret.”

That statement was for both Macy and Alec but it was Jonny’s sister-in-law who answered, “But you’re private and—”

“No, Macy, I’m not private. I was a coward who kept important stuff about my life from the people I cared about, who cared about me. No more.”

Bobby snuggled closer and Jonny adjusted to make room for his woman. She hadn’t said a single word after Jonny started his sordid story. She’d sat quietly offering her support. She’d held his hand and squeezed when he needed encouragement.

“The second thing?” Jonny prompted.

“We haven’t told anyone yet. I wanted to tell you first. Alec and I are going to have a baby.”

Jonny sat stunned. Speechless. Overcome with joy.

Luckily, Bobby knew what to say.

“Oh my God! That’s so great. How far along are you? When are you due? We’re so excited.”

Macy said something, likely answering one of the questions Bobby had asked but Jonny didn’t hear a word. He hadn’t taken his eyes off Alec. His friend. His real brother. Real in every sense of the word. Alec was the standard by which a man should be judged. He’d taken in two children who were not his blood but loved them the same as the daughter who was. Alec had blended two families into one and he’d done it seamlessly. And this new child would be welcomed like the blessing he or she was.