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I wind my arm around her. She looks up at me with her sparkly green eyes and I melt. There’s something about getting through a crisis together. It brings you closer. Makes you more resilient.
It deepens your love.
Makes you fearless.
Today ismy inauguration into the concept of a play date. Connor helped me get the boys into the Range Rover. It’s up to me to get them out and safely into the house.
My days of panic and woe at being a bad mom are long behind me. Every day I get to spend with my sons is magical. They change so much. Whether it’s a gesture. Or a sound. Even how they interact.
I’ve turned into one of those moms who says things like, “You just don’t know until you have kids.”
Oh, I’m fine with it. It’s who I am. Veronica Mae Miller, wife of Connor, mother of twins.
My favorite role I’ve ever had.
I manage to hoist Torin into my arms and take Tristan’s tiny hand and ring the doorbell. Fiona answers within minutes, Mia peers around her leg.
“Get your ass in here.” She motions me in, snatching Tristan up. “Aren’t you two the most handsome boys?”
“Can the twins play in my room?” Mia is adorable in black leggings and a skull hoodie.
I’m about to protest—now that they’re walking, the boys get into all sorts of mischief—but Fiona takes charge. “Meems, how about we put up the baby gate in the kitchen? The three of you can hang out in the sitting room where we set up the Play-Doh and racetrack. You can put on a movie too if you want. Then Aunt Ronni and I can be in the kitchen in case you need us.”
“Okay.” She smiles, dimples drilling holes in her cheeks. Mia is a truly stunning child. Huge blue eyes. Dark lashes. Long, black hair. She’s the double of Fiona.
We get the kids settled and sit in Fee’s impressive kitchen. She’s added to it. Personal touches like family photos. It’s starting to look lived in. “I can’t get over this kitchen. I never will.”
“Zane texted me a pic of the house. Seems like you’re doing okay.” Fee pours us each a healthy glass of Pinot Grigio.
“Yeah.” I can’t help but smile to myself thinking of Connor reuniting with Zane and Jace at our new home. “Things have settled down. We definitely had a rough patch.”
Fiona wrinkles her nose. “For the record, no one believed Connor fucked that woman. Not for a second. I’m glad that shit’s behind you. Still. How are you holding up?”
“Oh, I’m okay. When those videos were released, I jumped to conclusions. It made me physically ill to see Connor boning our former nanny. I’m embarrassed to say, it devastated him that I believed it even for a second. I didn’t handle it well.” I twirl the stem of the wine glass between my fingers.
“Sure, but your reaction was understandable.” Fee purses her lips. “I know firsthand. It was rough on me when Zane and I were broken up all those years ago. Seeing him in public with the beautiful, perfect models and actresses. I was so jealous. Insecure. I’ve always had meat on my bones, so…”
I scoff good-naturedly. “You’re one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen in real life. I’d kill for your curves. Restricting myself to a certain weight is something that was drilled into my head by that bastard, Kircher. He kept a red laser on set. Would point out any areas on my body that he thought were ‘chubby.’ Always when cast and crew were present.” I stare at the plate of cheese and crackers Fee’s set out. Another beautiful charcuterie spread. I make myself a little sandwich. Take a bite. Savor.
Yet one more phase of my life—I can enjoy food again.
“I saw the lawsuit was dismissed. I’m so sorry you had to go through so much, Ronni. You essentially survived a predator.” She stares at me intently, then looks down. Like she’s dying to know more but doesn’t want me to be uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, I can’t say too much because of the settlement agreement. Despite my theatrics at the firm, the lawyers negotiated what I can and cannot say. Everything I’m allowed to reveal about my time onHawaiian Highis already out there. One interview. Vetted by both sides.
I could have fought it harder, but having the suit dismissed was enough. Well, the payments to the charities, of course. That was non-negotiable. Helping victims is why I got into this mess. Hopefully, the money will help some deserving people.
Of course Yolanda’s testimony against Kircher--complete with a public statement and apology to me and Connor about the fake “sex” videos--didn’t hurt. Some of our fans will always believe the worst, but at least they’ve all been taken down.
What’s most important is Connor and I know the truth.
“Yeah. It’s true. I’m forever free of Kircher.” Saying these words never gets old. “I’d love to give you details, but the dozens of women who are sharing their hellish encounters will give you some idea of what happened to me.”
Fiona glances down at the kids, who are playing happily. She lowers her voice. “Do you know how Mia was conceived?”
“Uh, not really. Just that she’s not Zane’s biological daughter.” I hold her gaze. It’s the truth, Connor would never share one of his bandmates’ secrets, even with me. He also would never pry into Zane and Fiona’s private business, so it’s possible he doesn’t know the story behind Mia’s paternity.
Fiona leans in closer. My guess is to be positive Mia can’t hear her. “Zane and I had an arrangement that I never took advantage of. He did. We even had rules… um, we thought we came up with a perfect plan.” She gives me a pointed look.
