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The realization of just how much distance Cat had wedged between him and his family, especially his twin sister, hit home, and he was almost winded by it. What else had Liv kept from him, in order to protect him? As someone who viewed himself as the protector of the family, it was a hard pill to swallow. Though perhaps one of the lessons that Maya had taught him was that it was good to share the burden. And letting his sister in to do that felt right. “Did you work through your stuff with Dad?”

“Yeah,” Liv said, smiling weakly. “It helped. You’ll see.”

Sam let go of her hand so he could hug her tightly. “I’m so sorry. I’ve not been there for you, I know that now. These past few weeks I’ve felt like we’re closer than ever, and it was only then that I realized there was any distance between us.”

She gave him a squeeze. “It’s okay, Sam. I’m just glad to have you back.”

“Listen.” He released her in order to look her in the eyes, determination in his heart. “No more keeping stuff from me. I want to know everything, all right?”

Liv nodded, her eyes shining, and he kissed her forehead.

Her voice was wobbly. “All that will have to wait, because you’ve got somewhere to be.”

He frowned. “Where?”

Raising her eyebrows, she gestured toward the front door. “You need to head out into that blizzard, and go get the love of your life back.”

Chapter

Twenty-Seven

Maya jiggled from one foot to the other while watching the whiteout from her bedroom window. Why was the theme tune to Rocky playing in her head? She half expected Hana to produce a bottle of water to squirt in her face and Rosie to dab her brow with a small towel.

“Right. You’re clear on what you want to say?” Hana asked. “Preparation is key in the courtroom.”

Rosie ruffled Hana’s hair. “We’re in your parents’ house, not the courtroom, sweets.”

“I know,” Hana said, shooting her a grin. “But still.”

“I think so,” Maya said, trying to quash her nervousness. No doubt it’d all go flying out of her head and she’d end up shouting random phrases like love skiing and hate accountancy rather than putting together any sort of fluid sentence. But perhaps the point would still be made.

Rosie squeezed her shoulder. “Are you sure you don’t want us to come down with you? We can be silent, just sit in moral support.”

Maya shook her head. “I need to do this myself. No crutches.”

Hana took hold of her in a tight hug. “I’m proud of you.”

She hugged Hana back, love for her sister rising inside and causing her throat to constrict and tears to prick at her eyes. Her voice came out on a wobble. “Stop it. Don’t make me feel feelings when I’m in the battle zone.”

Hana laughed as she released her. “Go get ’em, tiger.”

Maya pursed her lips and saluted, making them both laugh in an attempt to soothe her nerves. Humor defense, again. But that’s not going to work with Dad. Not this time.

She turned and left her bedroom before she could change her mind, going down the stairs and past the living room, where they’d asked Yvonne to stay until Maya was done in the kitchen with Dad.

Her mum had asked to be there for the discussion, but Maya wanted to do it alone. So Yvonne had been tasked with settling Omar at the table with a cup of tea and his magazine, in ignorant bliss that Maya was coming to trample on his day. Well, probably his week. Perhaps even a number of months.

Entering the kitchen, she felt as if there should be cameras on her for this showdown moment. Her dad looked up, and, as predicted, all coherent thought left her brain.

“Hi,” she said.

“Hi.”

She cleared her throat. “We need to talk.”

Omar gestured at the seat across from him, and she took it, feeling like one of his patients with him appraising her across the table.

“I’m glad you’ve come to speak to me,” he said. “There are a few things I want to say.”