Page 228 of The Path to Loving Him
“Or maybe it’s the best thing she needs,” I snap.
“What’s going on?” Hattie asks, walking up to us as well. “I would have been here sooner, but Earl made me talk to him even though I wasn’t involved.”
“Nothing’s going on. Aubree’s taking Mac. It’s done.”
I start to move away again toward my truck, but both of my sisters stop me.
“What’s done? Do you mean she’s taking Mac forever?”
“I can have her stuff packed tonight,” I say.
“Uh, it doesn’t work that way,” Aubree says. “You can’t just pass her off when the first roadblock comes along.”
“Roadblock?” I hiss and then point behind me. “That wasn’t a fucking roadblock, Aubree. That was Dad. That was Dad seeping from my skin, controlling my every move. And she bore witness to that. She saw every piece of me turn into a man that I hate. That I despise, that I’m so fucking glad is dead, yet here I am, the reincarnation of him.”
“Have you lost your mind?” Hattie says. Not sugarcoating here. “You are not a reincarnation of Dad. Not even close.”
“Tell me this, when I found out about you and Hayes, did I shake his hand and offer him best fucking wishes? Or did I try to beat the ever-loving shit out of him?” She goes silent. “And with Wyatt, did I or did I not attack him as well? Say what you want, but it’s a lie. I’m dangerous. I have him in my bones, and she shouldn’t be anywhere near me. I can’t . . .” I get choked up. “I can’t ever see that look on her face again.”
“Ryland.” Hattie reaches for me, but I shake her off.
“Don’t. I don’t want to hear it. I’ll have her stuff packed for you to pick up.”
And without another word, I get in my truck and drive off.
Chapter Thirty-Four
GABBY
“Are you okay?” Bennett asks once Earl takes off, leaving us by the abandoned stage. The event has continued despite the disturbance. The town seems to be enjoying themselves, which is important because the last thing I’d want to do is disrupt an event that took a lot of time, energy, and money to put together.
“No,” I say, still a little shaken from Nathan’s ambush. “I didn’t even see him coming.”
“What happened? I didn’t know what was happening until I saw Ryland punching Nathan across the face.”
“He must have found out about the event since Ethel posted about it everywhere. Knowing him, he’s probably followed us both for a while. And well, I didn’t tell you, but he’s actually sent me a few texts. Wasn’t too thrilled that I didn’t text him back.”
“He texted you, and you didn’t tell me?” Bennett asks, growing angry.
“I didn’t want to bother you. It wasn’t that big of a deal.” I play it down. “You were busy?—”
“I’m never too busy for you. This is something you should have told me. Did Ryland know?”
“He found out about the second group of text messages.”
“And he didn’t tell me either?”
“Because he handled it,” I say. “Bennett, please don’t get upset about this, okay? I wanted you to focus on baseball.”
“Guess what, Gabby? You are more important than baseball. You matter more to me than anything, so not telling me about what’s going on in your life hurts me. We have been in this life together, just you and me, so if something’s happening with you, I need to know. That’s my right as your brother, as the person who has been through it all with you.”
He’s right.
“I’m sorry,” I say softly. “I was trying to protect you.”
“I’m a grown-ass man, Gabby. I love you, and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, but at some point, you need to realize that I can protect myself. I can compartmentalize my life, and when I’m on the field, I get the job done and don’t bring the outside world into that stadium. I know you’re trying to shield me, but don’t. I don’t need it. What I need is for you to tell me the truth about what’s going on or else we’re not in this together.”
“You’re right, Bennett. I’m sorry.”
