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26
As they headedinto the house, Faith could hear voices inside. She slowed, reluctant to deal with the Walkers. Regardless of what Shane had said, she couldn’t help but feel that they must blame her to a certain extent. He threaded his fingers through hers, raised her hand to his mouth, and kissed the back of it. His gaze was warm and reassuring.
“It’ll be all right,” he said. “I promise.”
God, she hoped so.
They entered the hall, and he led her to the living room. The moment they walked in, the conversation halted.
“Um, hi,” she said, giving a little wave and feeling excruciatingly awkward.
Gabrielle rushed over and wrapped her in a hug. “I’m so glad you came back.”
“Oof.” Faith gasped. “What’s with this? Not that I mind. I do love hugs.” She dropped Shane’s hand and hugged Gabrielle back, then released her.
“I’m sorry for what that heinous bitch did to you.” Gabrielle placed her hands on Faith’s shoulders. “To go through that and come back for more, you must love my brother. So, thank you for being strong enough to withstand Hurricane Diana. We’re happy to welcome you to the family.”
“Wait.... What?” She’d expected pointed questions, if not outright hostility. She had indirectly ruined Dylan’s birthday party and been outed as a fake, after all. “But what about—"
“None of us care what that good-for-nothing woman says,” June added as she joined them. “You were betrayed by someone you trusted when you were young, and Shane helped you keep a brave face in front of him. As far as we’re concerned, he was the best person for the job, and we’re pleased he was there when you needed him. That’s all there is to it.”
“I never liked Diana,” Dennis remarked, and Faith glanced over Gabrielle’s shoulder to smile at him. He gave her a nod. “A little ambition is a fine thing, but she makes a habit of stepping on people along the way.”
“That she does,” June agreed. “She could have had a steady career here in New Zealand television, but that wasn’t enough for her, and look what happened as a result.” She shook her head. “Would you like a glass of wine? We’ve all been indulging while we waited to see whether you’d come back.”
Faith nodded, shock and relief making her heart flutter like a butterfly in her chest. “Yes, please. The bigger the better.”
Gabrielle laughed. “I like you already.”
“If I’d known this was all it would take to get accepted into the family, maybe I’d have beaten Diana to the punch.”
An arm wrapped around her waist, and Shane kissed her temple. “Don’t even joke about that.” His hand settled on her hip, drawing patterns over the fabric there. “I think there’s someone who needs to say something to you. Dyl?”
Everyone turned to face the corner, where Dylan had stood largely unnoticed until now. His hands were stuffed into his shorts, and his eyes were as red as hers. Despite everything, she wanted to comfort him.
“I’m sorry,” he said in a low voice that she struggled to make out. A tear tracked down his cheek, but no one acknowledged it because he was at that age where he’d rather they pretend not to see. He scuffed his shoe on the floor and raised his head, expression distraught. “Like, so effing sorry.”
“Dylan!” June exclaimed.
“Sorry, Grannie. I mean, I’m really super sorry. I was stupid to tell her, but I didn’t think....” He trailed off miserably. “I hate her,” he exploded, clenching his fists at his sides. “I hate her so much. I wish she’d stayed away.” He paused for a moment, a hiccupping sound coming from the back of his throat, and then he was openly sobbing. He crossed the floor and stopped in front of Faith, tilting his face up to look her in the eye. In that moment, her heart bled for him. He may have messed up, and she’d been hurt as a result, but what kid didn’t screw up sometimes? All he’d ever wanted was his mother’s love and affection.
“I didn’t want things to change,” he admitted. “And I knew everything would be different if Dad had a girlfriend. But maybe that’s a good thing.” He glanced at Shane. “He smiles more when you’re around. Anyway, do you think you could maybe forgive me? It’s okay if it takes a while. I can make it up to you somehow.”
Oh, man. She was toast. If Shane himself hadn’t sealed the deal, this stricken boy would have. She opened her arms, waiting for him to come to her, if he wanted to. He stepped forward, and she enveloped him, resting her cheek on the top of his head and smelling grass, sunscreen, and sweat on his skin. It wouldn’t be long before he was too tall for her to do this, so she’d enjoy it while it lasted.
“It’s okay,” she murmured. “I don’t hold it against you. I also don’t want to replace your mum, but I hope you can make room in that big heart of yours for both of us.”
He nodded. “I can do that.”
They let each other go, and Faith glanced up at the ceiling, taking a moment to wipe the underside of her eyes. A shaky breath eased from her lips. “Have you had cake?” she asked.
He shook his head. “No one has.”
“Well, that seems like an oversight.” She affixed a smile in place. “I promise you, Megan’s cakes are out of this world. I reckon we should all grab a piece and stuff our faces. What do you think?”
His expression lightened. “Yeah. Can we, Dad?”
Shane chuckled. “I guess so. We shouldn’t let it go to waste.”
