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Her voice cracks. “For when I couldn't be there.”

Anger burns through my grief. “You should have told me.”

“And what would you have done?”

“Stopped it.”

“How?”

“I don't fucking know!” My voice echoes beneath the tree. “I would've found a way.”

“I know.”

“I would've chained you to the fucking house if I had to.”

She laughs through her tears. “Exactly.”

“That's not funny.”

“A little.”

“Arlene.”

Her smile disappears. “I wanted you to know your children, Darian. Not just love them. Know them.”

I stare at her.

“Damian needs time alone with you even when he pretends he doesn't. Darlene will tell you she's fine when she's absolutely not fine. Arian settles faster when you rub between his shoulders instead of patting his back.”

“I know.”

“I know you know.”

Fuck.

She taught me. All of it.

“You were preparing me to raise them without you.”

“I was preparing you to be their father even if I couldn't stay.”

My eyes burn. “I hate you for this.”

“I know.”

“I love you so fucking much.”

“I know that too.”

I pull her into my arms again.

“Do you regret it?”

She goes quiet.

“Saving Selena?”

“No.” Her answer comes immediately. “I would protect her again. I would protect that baby again.”