Page 183 of Rebellious

Rebel flushed.

“Let me guess,” Meggie growled, an image of a black-haired, gray-eyed idiot rising in her head. “Diesel.”

“Maybe,” Rebel mumbled.

“Oh, sweetheart.” Meggie tried to hug her daughter, but she pulled away and averted her eyes. If Rebel clammed up, disaster awaited. As long as they kept an open line of communication, she could be steered in a better direction. She cleared her throat. “He meant well because he’s a good big brother, but you should’ve asked Kaia first.”

“Diesel is the best big brother.”

Meggie wouldn’t go that far. “That might hurt CJ if he heard that.”

“I’m not taking away from CJ’s awesomeness, Momma. I love him so much. I’m just lucky to have two amazing older brothers.”

“You do,” Meggie said, managing not to trip over those two simple words.

“I just wish you and Daddy would let up on Diesel. He used to be a real big brother to me. He’d take me places. Watch movies with me in here and no one said anything. I asked him to come and watch TV with me when he got home from work and he told me no.”

“Kaia—”

“I asked him first, but he’s busy with something.”

Busy with something? That jerk was still on the clock.

Rebel swiped at her tears. “Axel commands all of Diesel’s attention. This room is my sanctuary.”

A sanctuary that would soon be destroyed because of the remodeling. Meggie hadn’t been able to bring herself to have the children pack while she was away. More for Rebel than any of the other kids. Rebel needed this safe place. She didn’t need to remember she’d been shoved into a temporary room with very little space.

“I should be allowed to watch TV with Diesel in here.”

“Let me talk to your father. I’ll let you know when we get back.”

“Okay, Momma,” Rebel whispered, met her gaze briefly, then glanced away.

Alarm raced through Meggie. “What is it?”

“I just wish you and Daddy…” Rebel flushed. “Never mind.”

Relief flooded Meggie, until she realized what Rebel might not be saying. “Do you want me to stay home, Rebel? Do you need me here?”

Her throat working, she started to cry. “I…Daddy…”

Meggie pulled Rebel into her arms again. “I won’t go. Christopher—”

“No, Momma,” Rebel interrupted hoarsely. “No, I’m fine. I promise. Go. Please? You and Daddy need this time together.”

They did. She was also looking forward to it just being the two of them. However, Rebel was spiraling and Axel’s birthday was Saturday.

“I’m hungry,” Rebel said.

Meggie allowed the change of conversation. She didn’t want to upset Rebel any more than she was by pushing. “Do you want me to bring a tray up or will you come downstairs?”

“I want a tray,” Rebel murmured, not surprising Meggie.

Rebel hadn’t come downstairs since yesterday morning and that was to receive Diesel’s presents. Yet she wore Kaia’s earrings again, no matter the reason. Meggie didn’t want to push her daughter, but she was floundering.

Christopher would have a fit if she postponed their trip. However, Meggie shouldn’t leave Rebel while she was in such a state. Monday, Jo was coming home, which would take Meggie’s attention away from Rebel. She wouldn’t tell Rebel of her changed plans until after she talked to Christopher, a conversation she wasn’t looking forward to. But the decision if Meggie stayed home wasn’t Rebel’s or Christopher’s. It was Meggie’s as a mother who loved her children.

Meggie kissed Rebel’s forehead. “Okay, love. As soon as dinner’s ready, I’ll bring it up. Would you like company?”