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Weston cleared his throat. “And Grazing by Daisy? How about that?”
I let Miles take this one.
“Mom decided to take it upon herself to sabotage Daisy’s business. She’s gotten all her friends to spread the word not to use Grazing for events. All the contacts we made, the work we did schmoozing with people I wouldn’t be caught dead with otherwise, was wasted.”
Weston tensed, gripping the edge of the table. “What was her goal in doing this?”
“I can only assume she did it to get me to call her,” Miles explained.
Weston leaned forward, intent on his brother. “What did she have to say for herself?”
He shrugged. “I wouldn’t know. Didn’t call her. My girl pointed out I’d be playing right into her hands if I did, so we just let it go.”
“You let it go?” Weston repeated, perplexed.
I squeezed Miles’ hand. “Bea and I don’t need those jobs. They would have been nice, but we’re going to be fine without them. And once I remove the Dunham name from the Denver side of Grazing, she’s not going to have any trouble filling up those empty spots.”
Weston blinked. “I’m—you’re letting our mother get away with this?”
Miles stared down his nose at his brother. “We’re changing course so I don’t have to get wrapped up in that never-ending toxic cycle.” He lifted our joined hands and kissed my knuckles. “Again, I got that from Daisy-daze.”
“That must’ve been hard,” Elise said. “To stand by and not do anything.”
“It was hard to see my girl hurt by my own mother. But I stood by in awe as she dusted herself off and moved on, never once blaming me,” Miles replied.
“You’re not responsible for your mother,” I reminded him. “Neither of you are.”
“Hmm.” Weston’s hum came from deep within his chest. “I don’t know about that.”
“I do,” Elise said softly. “I’m relieved you’ve finally cut ties, Miles.”
He nodded. “It’s been interesting to get used to. I didn’t know how heavy the weight of keeping her happy was until it was gone—mostly gone,” he corrected. “I know she won’t stop if I’m accessible to her.”
Weston’s brow pinched. “You felt moving was your only option?”
Miles looked at me, and I nodded before taking over.
“One of the first things Miles told me was he didn’t want to live in Denver forever, and I’ve always known I didn’t want to die in the same place I grew up.”
Weston shifted. “I remember you saying that on our hike.”
“Yeah.” I gave him a crooked smile, pleased he’d paid such close attention. “We took a trip to Sacramento and loved it. Our names didn’t carry the burden they do here. My brother made friends with some kids he’s still talking to in a chat group. It was nice to just…feel new. So, when we decided we needed to leave Denver, it was obvious to all of us Sacramento was where we’d start fresh.”
Miles kissed my knuckles again. “Daisy’s too modest to mention she’s already landed a lucrative contract with the state senate building manager. And Lily has been spreading the word about her services.”
“I think my mother loves Daisy more than me,” Saoirse confirmed with a grin.
Luca tossed his hands out. “Even Lily knew about this? Next, you’ll tell me Clementine knows.”
“Of course she does, my love.” Saoirse leaned into her husband. “Clem knows all.”
“Josephine’s going to miss you,” Elliot said flatly, like he was pissed on his daughter’s behalf. “I think you’re making the right decision. I would do the same in your position.”
Miles stared at him for a long moment before nodding. “Thank you, Elliot. That means a lot coming from you.” He said this with all the sincerity in the world.
Elliot dropped his chin. “As long as you intend on Facetiming and visiting my daughter frequently.”
That made him cackle. “Yep. I’m going to be coming back here at least once a month, and Joey is welcome to call me any time she demands it.”
