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I shook my head. “What I wanted were parents who loved me. That’s it, Dad. That’s all I ever wanted.”
“We do love you, Ry,” my mother said.
“No. You don’t.” I stared at Deacon. “And I know that because for the first time in my life, I have someone who does love me. Who wants to take care of me and thinks I’m amazing.”
Deacon squeezed my hand and kissed my knuckles as I turned to stare at my mother. “I don’t want or need you in my life anymore.”
“Riley, you don’t mean that,” my mother said.
Still holding hands, I tugged Deacon toward the front door, and we walked out of my parents’ home. I didn’t turn around, not even when my mother called my name.
Deacon and I walked rapidly down the sidewalk. He didn’t stop until we were a few blocks away. He pulled out his phone and called the car company, directing them to our location before he ended the call. He stared at me and then pressed a kiss against my mouth. “I’m sorry, baby.”
“Me too,” I said.
He studied me solemnly. “I’m so fucking proud of you right now.”
I took a shuddering breath. “I think I might be in a bit of shock.”
“Not surprising,” Deacon said. “It’s a lot to process, and even I’m overwhelmed. I can’t imagine how you’re feeling.”
“Honestly, I don’t even know how I’m feeling. Beyond that this whole thing will cost me a boatload in therapy,” I said. “I may have to get a second job again.”
Deacon smiled at my weak joke before smoothing my hair back from my face. “Filthy rich, remember?”
“You so did not sign on for this kind of trauma,” I said.
He put his arms around me and gave me a serious look. “Riley, I’m all in with you. I love you, and whatever you need, I will find a way to give it to you. I promise.”
“I love you too,” I said. “I don’t deserve you.”
“Don’t say that,” he said. “You deserve nothing but happiness, and I will spend the rest of my life making sure you get it.”
He used his thumbs to wipe the tears sliding down my cheeks. “We’ll get through this, baby.”
“I know,” I said. “I love you, Deacon.”
“I love you too, Riley.”
EPILOGUE
Riley
“You good, baby?” Deacon glanced over before turning his gaze to the snowy road ahead of him.
I smiled and put my hand on his thigh, gently squeezing it. “That’s the third time you’ve asked me that today, honey.”
“Yeah, well, it’s the two year anniversary of…”
“The day I found out my parents were monsters?” I said.
“Yeah,” he grimaced. “You’re quiet today. I understand why, but I also want to be sure you’re okay.”
“I am,” I said. “I knew today would be a tough day, which is why I scheduled a therapy appointment this morning and agreed to go on a weekend getaway. Therapy to get all my feelings out, the getaway to forget about my problems. It’s the perfect solution.”
He smiled and reached down to take my hand, his fingers playing with the wedding band on my left hand. “If you’d rather we stay home this weekend, I can turn the car around.”
“No,” I said. “One, we’re almost there, and two, I haven’t seen the cabin since Aiden and Lina added the second addition in the summer. I want to see how it looks.”
