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I’d never shown up with the equivalent of a security team comprised of my brothers and Cal.
I’d never fought him this hard.
So much for acting normal.
Cal parked the truck in front of the house. I hated it. Hated that I had so few good memories. What would I have done without Lincoln and Teague? At least they had some recollection of Mom. I wasn’t even fortunate enough to have that.
“I want him to think I’m marrying Alex.”
I felt three pairs of eyes on me.
“Why?” Teague asked. There was no anger in his tone. He simply wanted to understand.
An idea had been forming in my mind. Before, it had been about humiliating the Davenports and my father. But this was an opportunity for something more.
“I . . . I want to do something. I haven’t quite worked it out yet, but it’s important.”
“Your show.” Cal’s voice was strained, but I appreciated that he supported my wishes.
He pushed open his door and came around to open mine.
I led the way up the front walk with the three of them behind me. My legs trembled with every step, but I drew strength from the men who were there for me no matter what.
I tried to turn the doorknob, just like Cal had at his mom’s house, but it was locked.
The muted chimes seeped through the thick front door when I rang the bell.
What felt like an eternity later, Winston appeared.
“The chicks have come home.” He glanced over my shoulder. “And brought friends, I see.”
I kissed his cheek when he stepped aside. “Hello, Winston.” What would this house of horrors have been like without him?
“He awaits you in the drawing room.” He gestured in the direction.
He can keep waiting.
“I just came to get my things. He promised I could stay with Teague before the wedding.” I sounded like a teenage girl instead of a grown woman. But it was the way I’d behaved when it came to my father. Like he had the final say over my life. Because I’d let him.
I could pretend a few more days.
Now I was doing it on my terms.
I hurried up the stairs, my heels clicking on the hardwood floor. The heavy footsteps of Cal, Lincoln, and Teague were right behind me.
Winston didn’t argue.
The portraits lining the upstairs hallway had always creeped me out. Sometimes I swore my ancestors were watching me, even though I knew it was impossible.
I’d chased Teague and Lincoln up and down this hall when we were little andhewas away. They'd helped me with my homework and played tea party. And as we'd gotten older, we’d hung out in the backyard and talked. It was here we'd become more than brothers and sister. We'd become friends.
Ifhehadn't been the way he was, would I have the relationship with my brothers I did today?
I touched an antique chest. Would this be the last time I set foot in this house?
I’d almost made it to my room, when Father appeared like he’d stepped out of the walls. Had Winston lied about him being in the drawing room?
“My errant, errant daughter. What have you done?”
