Page 115 of Luci’s Lullaby

“I agree. You shouldn’t have been drinking, but accidents happen. This was an accident, Alden.” Chord stares at me as if I should understand.

“No, it’s my fault.” I take a step back, and the doors open. I turn to see her walk in.

Her eyes avert from mine as she brushes past me. “Reese? What happened? Is she okay? Can we go see her?” Charlee won’t even look at me.

“It was me, I did it to her.” The fissure in my chest cracks open, and I spew all of my ugliness on everyone, especially Charlee. “It was me, isn’t that what you all want to hear? That I fucked up. I chose myself over her! The greedy, horn dog that I am. I did it.”

Charlee walks up to me and for a split second, I see the woman who loves me and then, she’s gone. “I have no idea who you are anymore, but for the love of God and Luci, get your shit together.”

“You left her too.” I jab at her.

“No, I left you.” Her face contorts. “Don’t you dare lay this on anyone else, you did this. To Luci. To yourself. To us. You did this.”

“How do I fix it?” I plead with her.

“Fix your damn self first!” She shakes her head. “Call me about Luci. I can’t be here.” She storms past me, and I begin to break all over again.

Hours pass helping to calm me down. Luci isn’t hurt, not even a scratch. I’m waiting with Reese to take her home when Sam struts through the doors. Reese seethes.

“I’ll go check on her discharge.” She walks away before Sam gets to me.

“I rushed right over when I heard. How is the little one?” Sam fakes a smile at me.

“She’s fine.”

“Alden, I know this is hard on you. I haven’t meant to add to your distress.” Sam frowns. What the fuck is this?

“That’s good to know.”

“I’m hoping we can all learn something from this.” I cut my eyes at her.

“Like what?”

“Do you really believe, you’re what’s best for her? She’d be so much better off here, with a real family. You need to get your career established and making money so you can hire the right help. Right now, you’re of no use to anyone.” My chest caves; the truth does hurt more than a lie, that’s for damn sure. “I think it’s time, and you know it. Call me!” She’s strolls back out the door.

“What did she say to you?” Reese cocks her brow.

“Nothing but the truth.” I hang my head in shame. “Nothing I don’t already know.”