Page 52 of Sterling Fight

“Simon is my grandson of sorts but doesn’t belong to either Tallulah or Judd. I used to foster children. Most of them my own kin. Nieces and nephews. But then I took in a few stranglers.” She smiles with a fond memory. “And Simon belongs to one of them.”

Strange relief that Judd did not love this Tallulah person, nor is he the father of such a sweet looking boy, swims through me. Then I realize, as Judd’s fiancée, I should know these things about him. All his secrets.

“Would have taken in all those Sylvers if that dang fool daddy of theirs hadn’t been against it.” Trudy lowers her voice. “Violet would have been so disappointed.”

Violet is Judd’s mother, and I glance down at the ring on my finger.

“Hmm,” Trudy hums. “He finally gave it up.”

Looking up at her, my brows pinch in confusion.

“That ring was her mama’s. She’d been pleased as punch when Flint proposed. She had big dreams, and that man intended to give her everything. Then the Lord took her away from all of us, and Flint . . .” Trudy shakes her head. “He just lost his head when he lost his heart.”

After what I’d learned last night about Judd’s father, my heart aches all over again for him and his siblings.

“Anyway, Simon belongs to one of my foster kids. Babies having babies.” Her pursed lips show her displeasure at the concept. “And now, I’ve got him. And he’s got me.”

I pause thinking they are one in the same thing, before accepting they are not.

“And Simon has Judd. Judd needed him as well.”

“What do you mean?”

“Let’s take our drinks outside. We can chat there.” She offers another smile, and I take the glass of sweet tea she offers me, then follow her into the backyard. The space is vast with a fence around a freshly cut lawn. A large wooden playset stands near one corner and the picture of Judd with Simon in a tree fort makes sense.

“Judd built that thing himself.” Trudy states with pride before taking a sip of her sweet tea.

“Being Judd’s fiancée,” Trudy exaggerates the term, “I suppose you know a thing or two about his daddy. His beautiful mother, Violet, was one of my best friends.” Trudy smiles fondly. “And her man treated her well.”

Trudy shakes her head once, pursing her lips again, and squints toward the yard. “I’ll never make excuses for him. He had seven beautiful children, each a spitting image of his lovely wife. He should have done right by her by loving them.”

She nods, almost like she’s deep in her own thoughts. “But the only person who could save Flint Sylver was Flint.”

I don’t know what to say. Judd’s clearly only given me a sliver of the abuse he endured from his dad and that truth is as weighty as a boulder sitting on my heart.

“Anyway.” Trudy shivers like the body shimmy will clear her mind. “I’ve known Judd since he was in diapers. Timid thing. Tiny thing. Loved his mama hard.” Trudy shakes her head again, and I’m realizing that shake is a thousand unsaid words. “Been hard on all of them growing up without Violet. I know. I raised a handful of kids who’d gone without their mothers.”

“But they had you,” I finally speak knowing how special being a foster parent is.

“And I had them.” She smiles. “There’s healing in love, girl.”

I sit with that thought a second while Trudy adds, “One day Judd will find acceptance in himself and stop fighting his demons. Stop fighting period.” Her gaze lands on me. “And I’m hoping that day is soon with you here.”

I don’t know what to say, but I agree. I don’t want Judd fighting, demons or otherwise.

“Judd is fortunate to have you in his life,” I offer, knowing whatever their shared history, Judd already admitted Trudy is important to him. He loves her without saying the words.

“And I’m fortunate to have him. He helps me out with Simon. The boy needs a man in his life and Judd has stepped in to take that role when he can. When he had that other lady he couldn’t come around as easily.”

I tilt my head. “What do you mean?”

Trudy waves her hand. “Heather wasn’t a fan of children, and she’s a demanding thing.” Trudy scoffs, shaking her head once more with disapproval. Then she smiles warmly at me.

“Let me see the ring again.” She holds out her hand and wiggles her fingers, and I hold out my hand for inspection. “He must really love you, child.”

My head pops up. I want to ask her what makes her say that, but then I remember I’m supposed to be his fiancée and I’m wearing his mother’s ring. The two items in combination should say enough, but it’s only make-believe. And I feel a little queasy lying to this woman who means so much to Judd.

A cold trickle runs down my spine. I can’t make Judd any false promises. I don’t plan to marry. I don’t plan to have children. And the last thing I want to do is hurt Judd, or have Judd hurt me.