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“It’s not that quick considering how long it’s taken me to file.”
She opens her mouth to say something, but Dad beats her to it. “I, for one, am glad you’ve finally gotten around to doing something about the mess you found yourself in. None of that should have ever happened and I hope little missy has learned her lesson about deceiving folk.”
“Ian, how can you say such a thing when she’s confined to her bed or chair?”
“I can say it because she told lies to get Ryder to marry her. I should have never stayed silent back then when you kept insisting Ryder had to stay married to her. That was unfair of you, and it was unfair of me to do nothing to help our son.”
I think this is the most I’ve heard Dad talk in years and I’m floored, sitting here in stunned silence.
“I’m sorry, Ryder. We should have supported you when this all blew up in your face.” He smiles. “I’m here now. If you need anything, please ask.”
I nod in acknowledgement, not really knowing what to say to him.
He stands, and disappears back through the house—probably to his study, his only escape from Mom.
“I don’t know what to say,” Mom whispers.
“There isn’t anything to say.” I sigh, wishing this whole nightmare were over. I just want my life back so I can move forward with Dahlia. “It’s all in motion, and I feel a great sense of relief that I’m going to be able to put the past where it belongs—in the past.”
“But . . . but what about Brittany?” Mom waves her arms around. “She can’t do anything for herself anymore. You’re abandoning her.”
“It’s not as though I do anything now. You know I only see her on her birthday, and that’s only because I won’t hear the end of it from her family if I don’t. I don’t feel anything for her and I never have.”
“I don’t think she’ll take it too well.”
“Well, what the hell am I supposed to do? If none of this had happened, and we’d started off in a marriage, chances are we’d be divorced by now. She wanted to be married to a Marine, and that’s what she got. I’ve not been in the Marines for close to two years now.” I wish Mom would understand. “I want a life, Mom, and that’s something I would have thought you’d want for me.”
“I do want that. It’s just that I can’t get Brittany out of my mind. That poor girl had a life ahead of her—now look at her. I bet she wishes there was something she could do to have her life back.”
Ugh, now she’s using tears.
“She probably does, but that isn’t going to happen. I have the chance to have a life with a beautiful woman whom I happen to love. I wish I’d spoken to the lawyer years ago so that it doesn’t look like I’m only going ahead with the divorce because of Dahlia.”
“Aren’t you?”
“I’m doing it for me, Mom. It’s long overdue. Yes, I want to be with Dahlia without anyone coming between us. I know I’ve been separated from Brittany since the day we actually got married, but I don’t want to make Dahlia the other woman. I guess people are going to judge either way, and I’ll just have to accept that, but I love her. Don’t you think I deserve some happiness?”
Mom dabs at her eyes, and sniffles into a tissue before nodding her head. “If anyone does, you do. I’m sorry. I’ve let you down when I should have been there for you, and instead, I sided with her because of what happened. You have my full support, like I should have given you back then.” She takes my hand and squeezes. “Will you bring Dahlia around for dinner? I’ll make sure Jace is here and on his best behavior.” She chuckles when she glances at me—I’m sure I have a look of horror on my face.
It’s been a hell of a long time since I brought a girl home for dinner, but when I did, Jace was always a big pain in the ass, and would flirt like no one’s business. With a bit of luck, he’ll be tied up, and can swing by Kix to meet her. At least then, I won’t have to watch my mouth around him if he starts.
I love my brother . . . on occasion.
Dahlia
Today, I discovered that waiting for Ryder to get home is like watching paint dry. Reece finally had enough of my clock watching and dragged me downstairs to the bar.
A week ago, Ryder finally gave in and promoted Suzie to assistant manager of Kix, so he’d have time to spend away from the bar, hopefully with me. Which is why the bar is now open, serving burgers and fries. It’s also why I have one on a plate in front of me with everything on it. Reece always orders me this but I struggle to get my mouth around it, each and every time. I love it though and today, I’m considering it my comfort food.
It’s been a while since I needed to eat for comfort, but worrying about Ryder and how he’s handling telling his folks has my stomach in knots. What will I do if they blame me?
Even a call would have been good to let me know he’s okay, but that hasn’t happened. I refuse to call him and let him think I’m anxious . . . even though I am.
I could send him a text asking if he’s okay—no—maybe not. I know he won’t be okay so I guess it’s a stupid question to ask. But, ugh! I wish he’d get back here.
“Are you going to eat that?” Reece breaks into my worry with his words.
When I glance up at him, the look of hunger on his face makes me laugh.
