She nods, understanding. “I’m sure if he could have found you, he might have divorced you and we wouldn’t be here.”

Ouch.

“I doubt he looked.”

That’s a stupid statement, considering I know he did. It feels better to just push that down and pretend he never cared that I left.

“No, you’re probably right.”

“I won’t be gone long; a few days at most. I’m so sorry I have to go.”

She cups my cheek. “You’ve given your life for me, Katia. You’ve worked yourself into the ground, always taking care of me. Go and finish this, because it’s about time you got something back.”

Tears run down my cheeks. “I’d do it all over again, Mom. Every second.”

She smiles weakly. “I love you. You make me so proud.”

“I love you too, Mom.”

This isn’t going to be easy.

CHAPTER FOUR

KATIA

The plane ride was long and draining. Penny kept me awake the entire time and my mind was constantly turning because I left Mom. It was hard. I didn’t want to go. The butterflies in my stomach have gotten to the point where they’re making me feel sick. I don’t honestly know how I can face that man. I don’t like it, but I know I have to.

Dusty and Candy are waiting for me when I get off the plane. Tears prick my eyes as I see my long-lost best friends. Candy runs towards me, squealing and crying. She reaches us and throws her arms around Penny and me, catching us in a deep, but soft hug.

“Oh my God, Katia. Look how much Penny has grown.”

“She has,” I choke out.

“I’ve missed you so much.”

“Me too.”

She pulls away and her eyes fall on Penny again. “Hello sweetheart, look at you!”

Penny reaches out, making a grab for her dangling necklace. Candy giggles and pulls her from my arms. I reach out to take her back, but drop my hands quickly. I’m not really used to having anyone else around Penny, except the few people I know. I do know my best friend, though, and I know she would never hurt my daughter.

Dusty walks over, pulling me into his arms. “You made the right choice.”

“I hope so,” I whisper.

“You have.”

We get my small bag and head to Dusty’s car. My father gave me some money, which I can nearly feel burning a hole in my pocket. I feel the need to protect it with my life, being that it’s been so long since I’ve had anything. I’m grateful that he is taking such good care of us. Candy chats happily away as we drive out to my father’s house, and I chat along as best I can. She tells me about her new job and how wonderful and non-assholey her boss is.

“I’m happy for you.” I smile.

She stares at me, and her smile wobbles. “I really, really missed you, Kat.”

I wrap an arm around her. “I’m here now.”

I just don’t know how long I’ll stay.

~*~*~*~

“That’s your brother?” Candy hisses in my ear as we walk through my father’s massive house behind a very gruff, very broody Ford.

“Yep,” I mutter, bouncing Penny on my hip.

“Yum.”

“Candy!”

Ford flinches, which tells me he heard her. She giggles and I roll my eyes. Ford hasn’t changed. He’s still big, handsome and angry. He’d barely grunted my name when we’d arrived. Now he’s leading me to my room, still barely having looked at me.

“How have things been, Ford?” I ask.

“Fine,” he grunts.

“Someone has his knickers in a twist.”

He turns and shoots me an extremely aggressive glare. “I didn’t ask you to be here, but my father seems to think it’s a good idea. I won’t argue, but I do ask that you don’t speak to me and you keep to yourself. We clear?”

“Jesus,” I mutter, moving Penny from one hip to the other.

“Are we clear?”

“Yes, we’re bloody clear.”

He growls and then spins. Dusty and Candy lean in close to me.

“He’s a prick,” Dusty mutters. “But fuck, he’s hot.”

“Dusty!” I say, shoving his shoulder softly.

“It’s the truth.”

“He’s right.” Candy sighs. “Yum.”

I roll my eyes and we continue following Ford. We reach a door and he flings it open, presenting me with a massive room. It has cream carpet, navy curtains and a massive bed right in the middle. There’s also a large box containing an unmade crib in the corner. Tears sting my eyes; it’s been a long time since I’ve slept somewhere like this. Anger and hurt pang deep in my heart, but I squash them down.

I’m here to end it, finally.

“Your room. It’s got a bathroom. You know where the kitchen is. The laundry is two doors down on the left. Anything else, you can figure out. Wyatt and Landon come and go, but they don’t live here anymore.”

“Fine.”

Ford stares at me, then his eyes flicker to Penny and soften slightly.

“She looks like him.”

With that, he’s gone.

“Ouch,” I whisper.

“Don’t let it get to you, honey,” Candy soothes, squeezing my shoulder.

“I’m trying.”

“You settle in. Let me take Penny for a walk.”

She reaches out and I hesitate. Reaching over, Candy places her hand on my shoulder. “I’d never let anything happen to her,” she whispers.