Page 141 of Finding Redemption

I do as he says, shutting the door behind me. “Where is she? Is she all right? Did her dad die or something?” I put my hand on my chest, hoping the pain will go away.

“You might be better off if he would.” He scratches his head. “Sorry, I’ve been here the entire time. I’ve seen firsthand what her parents do to her. Don’t get me wrong, Danielle isn’t half as bad as Jeffrey is but damn, they need to let the girl be happy. Man, she’s fucked up,” he huffs, shrugging.

“What in the hell is going on?” I rub the back of my neck. Tension hangs around it like a barbell.

“I’m not entirely sure. She came back around three this morning, hysterical. Mumbling something about ‘there’s no way you two will make it, you were doomed from the start.’ I begged her to talk to me, but she wouldn’t say anything.” He folds his arms across his chest.

My knees go weak, panic and nausea sweeping over me. I fall back into the wall, bracing myself. “She was a mess last night. I—I didn’t have answers for her. Nothing I said was right.”

“My understanding is it started about her dad. Right?” Sitting back on my heels, Alden eyes me skeptically.

“Man, she came home from the hospital upset. She was talking about his health and how he wants help with her stepbrother. She was reeling, upset because she wasn’t sure what to do.” I rub my palms into my eyes. “I tried to talk to her, and I thought she was okay when we went to bed.”

“Walker, if it helps, she didn’t talk to me either. She blew in, exploded and ran. I’m as lost as you are.” He sits down across from me.

“Things have been going so good for us. I don’t get it. Why run?”

“She grew up running. It’s her go-to when she doesn’t want to face things. I never saw it coming with you. She loves you.” Alden tips his head to me, a silent acknowledgment that he’s accepted me.

My shoulders slump from the weight of my pain. She’s running from me. I haven’t changed a damn thing. “I love her. I’m not sure what I’ve done wrong, but I’ll walk through hell to fix it.” My voice is heavy with despair.

His head drops, shaking it minutely. “Walker, I’m not sure she knows what’s happening.” His head raises, staring me in the eyes. “But I’ll be damned if I allow her to fuck this up. Y’all are good together and for the first time in our lives, I’m not on Reese’s side.”

“No. Don’t say that. She needs you. It would kill me to think of her alone. I’m grateful she has you. At least there’s one person on her side.” I choke back my tears, rubbing my hand over my face.

“If I hear from her, I’ll let you know. She texted me your number when she was staying with you one night,” he explains.

“That’s all good. I appreciate you watching out for her.” I stand upright. “I’m gonna call in today and go visit my brother. I can’t take being home without her.” My stomach flip-flops.

“Hang in there, buddy. I know she loves you.” He stands, offering me his hand.

I take it, biting my lip to keep the tears at bay. I clutch my chest. “She’s fucked me up. I’m gonna give her a day or so. Thanks, Alden.”

“You’re welcome. Hang in there.” He pats my back as I walk away.

It’s early but I know Riley will be up. I hope he has a day he can take because I can’t go home. I’m not sure how I make it to their place. I fought tears all the way here. She still hasn’t answered my texts, and I have the worst feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I park, gathering myself before I step out. Closing my door, I find my best friend waiting for me.

“Hey, brother, come on in.” Riley stands by the door, pulling me into a bear hug as soon as I get to him.

“She’s gone,” I mutter as he squeezes me one good time before letting me go.

Ava slams into me, holding me tight. God help me, but I’m about to lose my shit. From the time Reese walked through the door last night, I’ve held myself together, but these two know me better than anyone and can see through this tough exterior.

I grit my teeth, pushing back the ache in my chest. Ava locks her arms around my waist, walking me to the couch. She sits beside me, like I did her not too long ago when she was lost and broken. Riley brings me a bottle of water, sitting on the floor by our feet.

Just like when we were kids, huddling together to tell horror stories. They’re by my side, waiting for it to all be over. Ava leans her head on my shoulder with her hand in Riley’s hair. Her belly, round and perfect, makes me smile for the first time today.

“How’s Storm doing?”

“He’s his father, driving me insane and making me love him fiercely.” She smiles at me, fisting Riley’s hair as he chuckles. “What happened, brother?”

“I don’t know.” I shake my head in disbelief, my chest heaving. “She was upset last night, off from the time she walked through the door. Her dad asked her to come see him; their relationship is hard. He’s dying and wants her to help her stepbrother.”

“Stepbrother?” Riley cocks his brow.

“Reese was three when her dad left them for her stepmom and stepbrother. Her mom has resented him the entire time, making the situation worse.” I rub my temples. My head is pounding so fucking hard, I think it’s trying to take my dead heart’s place.