Page 122 of Finding Us
Christ, I was hoping I wouldn’t have to go there, but I can’t continue to lie to her now. “I need to tell you something.”
“What is it?”
“Jacinta and I are actually on a break at the moment.”
“You are?” she asks as her blue eyes—the ones just like her daughters—widen. “You two certainly don’t act like a couple no longer together.”
“I may have taken advantage of the fact once I realised you didn’t know.”
“That was cunning of you.”
“I know, but I miss her, and I want her back.”
“May I ask why you’re on a break?”
“Something happened with Blake and his biological mother when he was in Jacinta’s care.”
“Do you mean the time she tried to take him?”
“She told you about that?”
“No, actually it was Connor. When I called her, she said she didn’t want to talk about it.”
I bow my head. “I scared her.”
“How?”
“When she told me what happened I lost my cool and put my fist through the wall.” She remains silent, so I tentatively look over my shoulder again. She’s watching me, but I can’t read her face. “I’d never hurt her, Grace. Please believe me … I’m not my father.I love her.I love everything about her, and she’s so good with Blake … she’s helped him so much.”
“Jacinta has a beautiful and kind heart.”
“That she does.”
She blows out a puff of air, and I’m expecting some kind of lecture, or for her to tell me I’m not the man she thought I was and to stay away from her daughter, but she does none of that. Instead, she tenderly skims her hand over the top of my hair. “I’m sure you two will work it out.”
“I hope so.”
“Just give her time, she’s worth the wait.” I nod, because the lump that’s now risen to the back of my throat is hindering me from answering. “Jim and I will fly up to Sydney in a few days with Blake, or sooner if you want him home before then.” With that, she turns and leaves, and every part of my interaction with her just now has made me feel a little lighter.
I exhale a long breath as I tilt my head back, gazing up at the sky. “I hope you’re at peace now, Mum.”
Chapter34
Jacinta
It’s early when we arrive at Sydney airport and find Connor waiting for us by the kerb. Mason is again pushing my suitcase along with his. He didn’t say much during the flight home, but his leg bounced for the majority of the time, so I know he’s anxious about being back here. I don’t blame him.
My dad couldn’t get us on a flight until today, so we ended up staying another night in Melbourne. I went to bed before Mason because he opted to stay up and drink a few beers with my dad. When he finally came up to my room, the first thing he did was reach for me.
This time I didn’t fight it. I rolled over, rested my head on his chest, and hugged him right back. No words were spoken, and I don’t think he got a lot of sleep, but I was glad he wasn’t alone, and I hope I was able to provide him with some comfort.
Connor moves to me first, briefly wrapping me in his arms and placing a chaste kiss on my temple. “Hey, sis.”
“Hey. Thanks for coming to get us.”
He releases me and walks towards his best friend, and the length and ferocity of their hug has tears rising to my eyes. “I’m so sorry, Mas,” Connor says, tapping his back a couple of times.
“Thanks. I appreciate everything you did on my behalf while I was gone.”
