Page 142 of Finding Redemption

“What does the stepbrother need help with that has her upset?” Ava raises her head to look at me.

“All I know is he’s in prison. She also found out yesterday about her dad’s health.”

“She had one helluva crazy day.” Ava presses her mouth into a thin line.

I crane my neck; tension rippling off me. “She was trying to sort through it but damn, if she wasn’t angry. I felt several times like she was mad at me. I’d step back, thinking she’s worried and hurt. She’s not thrilled he wants her to help the kid that kept him from her and the fact that he waited until he was on his deathbed to call her. It’s all sorts of fucked up, y’all, but damn, what did I do?

“We went to bed and I woke up without her. I’ve tried texting her. She hasn’t answered. I drove to her place. She’s not there. Alden talked to me, said she showed up around three this morning. She was crying and ranting about us not making it and the shit about her dad.” I prop my elbows on my knees and bury my face in my hands.

“Did she leave Alden’s?” Riley turns to stare at me.

“Yeah, she was going off the rails and wouldn’t stay. He’s not happy with her but isn’t sure what to do.” I throw my hands in the air, disgusted.

“I wish she talked to me. At this point, until you know what’s going on, there’s not much that can be done.” Ava throws her arm over my shoulder, pulling me to her.

“I feel like I’m losing my mind, seriously. I’m doing my best to hold it together.” My hands shake. I swallow past the knot in my throat. “What in the hell did I do wrong?”

“Doesn’t sound to me like you did anything wrong.” Riley glances at me. “You haven’t… tried to help her with the situation with her dad?”

“I know what you’re thinking. No. No fucking way was I gonna mess this up.” I shake my head. “I’ve never loved another person the way I love Reese. She’s the only person to look past what others only see.”

“She needs some time. She’ll come around.” Riley hits my leg.

“Yeah, you Pennington boys have a way of making us fall in love and never being the same.” Ava bumps my shoulder with hers.

“Apparently, we have a way of scaring you into running away.” I smirk.

“Well, yeah. That, too.” She giggles. “But we find our way home.”

“I’m gonna give her plenty of room and pray like crazy she comes home.” I wring my hands. “Maybe she doesn’t love me after all.”

“Not possible.” Ava stands, kissing the top of my head. “Even my sorry ass knew what y’all meant to me.”

“This pain, does it stop?”

“No, but it does get better.” Riley reaches for my hand, pulling up. “Until then, there’s alcohol.”

“Is it too early?” I raise my brows.

“Hell, no. Not when your heart hurts.” He punches me. “Or your arm does.”

“Dickhead.”

“I’m skipping work. Let’s hang.” Riley bows his head.

“Sounds like a plan.” I look up at him. “Thank you.”

“Walker, it wasn’t too long ago that you held us together. I’ve got plenty of duct tape.” He winks.

“Keep it handy. I may kidnap her ass.” He laughs with me, both of us knowing I’m broken.

32

“Miss Morgan?” Katie sticks her head through the door.

“Yes,” I say through gritted teeth. My mood for the last five weeks has continued to deteriorate.

She pushes the door open, holding another vase of flowers. “He sent more.”