Page 140 of Pink and Country

“Can I crash here? I can’t go back home. I’m exhausted.”

Dahlia nodded, tugged my hand, and led me to the guest room. On my back, I crumpled on the mattress, my legs too weak to support me any longer.

“I’ll be here when you wake up. Then you’ll shower, because you smell, and get a haircut.”

Dahlia lay down beside me and pressed her head to mine, and we entwined our fingers, our hands resting between us. Like we did when we were kids. Her comfort brought me peace. My pulse slowed down. My limbs grew heavier, and I drifted to sleep.

When I woke up, the room was dark, but I could see a splinter of light through the drapes. How late could it be? I turned the bedside lamp on and looked for my phone. It wasn’t here. I stood on weak legs and made my way downstairs. I had no idea how long I slept, but from the light coming through the windows, it seemed like early morning. I found my phone plugged into a charger in the kitchen. Eight twenty-six. Did I sleep for over twenty hours? I dragged my hands over my eyes, chasing the sleep away from my face. Jack sauntered my way, and I squatted down to hug him.

“Oh, you smell bad.” Jack stepped back.

Damn, I forgot I didn’t shower after my run yesterday. I tugged my shirt collar, tilted my head, and took a whiff. My stomach turned. Yeah, I smelled.

“Sorry, buddy. I’m still groggy from my nap.”

Jack snickered. “It wasn’t a nap, Uncle Carter. Mama said you were hibernating because your heart is broken. She’s right because you sound like a bear when you snore.”

I chuckled. “Let’s see if this bear fears water,” I said, pointing my thumb to my chest. I dropped a kiss on Jack’s head and hurried into the guest bedroom to shower.

Once I came back to the kitchen, Nick was cooking breakfast.

“Just in time. Here, take a seat,” he said as he put a plate in front of me on the kitchen island. Jack propped himself on the stool next to mine.

“Hmm, you smell nice now.” I ruffled his hair.

“Thanks, bud.”

Dahlia walked in. “Hey, Carter. You look better. Come see me upstairs when you’re done, I’ll trim your hair.” She dropped a kiss on Jack’s head. Nick caught her elbow before she left the room and kissed her, placing his hand over her belly. They exchanged a smile.

Another knot loosened in my chest. Dahlia was right. It was time I got my own family. I couldn’t insert myself in theirs forever.

“Nick, I’m sorry for barging in here yesterday,” I said, lowering my gaze. “I should be able to deal with my own—” I picked a better word since Jack sat beside me. “—stuff.” I sighed.

“Don’t worry about it, man. We’re here for you. Whenever you need us.”

I inhaled a jagged breath. An idea took roots inside my head. I swallowed hard. A light flickered inside the dark cave my existence had turned into. “Actually, I might take you up on your offer. Soon.”

“Anytime.” Nick clapped my shoulder and took the seat on my right. The three of us ate in comfortable silence.

After she cut my hair, Dahlia drove me back home.

“Promise me you’ll fight for what you want,” she said.

Jack spoke from the backseat before I could reply. “Uncle Carter, if you need my help, I can talk to April for you. She loves me the most because I’m small and super cute.” I turned around in my seat and ruffled his hair. It was our thing.

“Okay, I’ll keep that in mind, buddy. I love you both.” I kissed Dahlia on the cheek and climbed out of her car.

Dahlia rolled down her window and waved at me as she drove away. “Good luck, Carter.”

* * *

In the media room, sitting on the tan leather sectional sofa, I watched one of Savannah’s interviews with the press while talking to June on video chat. My body itched to throw my phone at the eighty-inch screen hanging on the wall.

Every word coming out from Savannah’s mouth was a lie.

We hadn’t talked in months. Why was she telling people we were just on a break?

We ignored each other at the fundraiser in New York last month. I prayed that April wouldn’t believe anything coming out of the witch’s mouth.