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Twenty minutes later the twins were dressed in their nightwear and had settled into bed. Billie had already texted Sawyer, who turned up to read them a story.
“Right, now I can breathe. Tell me how you are doing? I was so sorry to hear about your mom.” When James had told Sawyer and Billie about my mom’s death, they had both wanted to come and support us. I had refused, worried that they may have inadvertently slipped up about Erin to Marnie or my father.
“I told Marnie,” I admitted. I gave her a sideward glance to gauge her reaction.
Initially she looked lost for words, then squeezed my forearm in support. “That was very brave, Tricia.”
“I know what you’re thinking. I dropped all of that on her when she was already grieving the loss of my mom. But it didn’t happen like that, it just … came out. Marnie made a comment which presented an opportunity for me and I took it.” I shrugged.
“How did she react?” she inquired tentatively, her voice full of concern.
“Accepting …” I nodded as I ran over the incident in my mind again, “pissed as hell about my mom, but she knew her well … reckoned that my mom bullied me.”
“Well, I agree, from what you’ve told me, your mom didn’t have the decency to discuss what your wishes were with you.”
“Right. Anyway, Marnie doesn’t want me to tell our dad, what with him losing Mom … and his age.”
“Never?” She looked astonished, and I guessed from that reaction she felt like me and he should be told.
“No, she agrees he should be told, but I should wait until he can breathe again.”
“Sounds like she’s got both you and your dad’s backs.”
“She does. Next time I talk to Erin, I’m going to explain and arrange a meeting for Marnie to meet her.”
Billie pushed on the door leading back to the central hallway of the house. “When do we get the pleasure of that?”
“I’m not sure yet, we’re taking it slowly. Can you give James and me a little more time with her on our own?” I asked.
Billie stopped entering the hall and turned to face me. “Do what you have to do, Tricia. It’ll give us a bit more time to talk to Colby and explain it. That boy is as subtle as a sledgehammer. I’ll make sure your story is handled with the sensitivity you deserve.”
Chapter Fifteen
“You’re never going to have a child of your own if you stay with her.” Tammy’s low voice hissed the words, and I knew immediately she was talking to James.
“Why can’t you just be happy for me?” James replied in a stern tone that told me how pissed off he was with her meddling.
“You’re amazing with children, and it would be a crime if you didn’t have a child of your own.”
“Why? Because my sister, Tammy, says so?” he scoffed, and I imagined the angry look he’d have been giving her. My heart was in my mouth as I looked toward Billie, who stood open-mouthed and listened with me. “Don’t you get it? I love Tricia … absolutely love her with all my heart, and you know how I know? She’s been to hell and back since we’ve been together, and I’m still here with her. More’s to the point, she hasn’t given up on me either, despite what she’s gone through. I’m going to marry her at some point so you’d better shape up, Tammy. You’ll go away before she does.”
“I’m only saying—”
“Well, don’t. Shut the fuck up. Have I ever called you on what I thought was best for you with the man you chose? A man, who incidentally was never home before his children were in bed, until you almost died when you were T-boned by a truck.”
“Don’t start dragging Jonathan into this, I’m just saying—”
“Oh, I’m not supposed to comment on your life, but you get to tell me how to run mine? You’re behaving like a spoiled, rich bitch who has nothing better to do with her time than dictate to others how to live their lives. What gives you the right to condemn the woman I’ve chosen to live out my days with? Being with Tricia is my decision, it’s what makes us happy, not what would make you happy for me. You have no idea how strong our feelings are for each other, but believe me when I tell you she’s more than enough for me.”
Billie took off in the direction of the voices and showed herself to them both. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation …” She turned and gave me a come here motion with her hand. “Neither of us could.”
My friend had given me no choice except to step into view and James instantly looked angry I’d heard them arguing. Stepping closer toward me, James wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me protectively to his chest.
“I was having a private conversation with my brother, Billie,” Tammy replied, frustrated by my friend’s interruption.
“About me,” I retorted before I could help myself not to respond.
“Not so private when we could hear what you said from all the way down the hall,” Billie replied.
