“Oh my God.”
“When you told us you were pregnant, I tried to reach him. I called around to all our friends, everyone who knew him, the places we used to hang out, trying to see if I could find him, but I never could. For months I tried, only to come up empty.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“I wanted to fucking kill him, but I couldn’t prove he was the father. All I had was my intuition. Than Capri started growing up, and I could see so much of him in her. Her mannerisms, her confidence, the way she holds her fucking fork, it’s all Julian.”
“Why didn’t you ever say anything to me?”
“What could I say? I couldn’t offer you anything, give you any information on his whereabouts. The only thing I could do was be there for you and her. I felt so fucking guilty she didn’t have a father because of me. It was the least I could do. Again, I’m so sorry, Autumn. I never meant to hurt you. I fucking love you.”
It all made sense, and I had no idea how I couldn’t see it until now.
“It was never him, Christian. It was always me.” I paused to let my words sink in. “I pursued him. For years it was all me. He never wanted to disrespect you, our parents, or me. For the longest time I didn’t understand his reasoning. A little part of me resented him for it. I felt bad I didn’t feel that way and he did. Even up until his article, I was terrified of you finding out. Not Mom and Dad. I didn’t want to lose you like I’d lost him.”
“You’re not going to lose me. I promise. All I’ve ever wanted is for you to be happy. You’re always going to be my little sister. Do you love him?”
“More than anything in this world.”
“If he hurts you again, I’ll fucking kill him. You’ve been warned. I’ll always be here. I’m your big brother, and you’re stuck with me for life.”
“I know. You’ve been the best big brother a girl could ever have.”
“He’s a mess, Autumn. You need to come home.”
“Wait? You’ve seen him?”
“Yeah, the owner of the bar we used to hang out at called me at three in the morning a couple nights ago to come pick his ass up. He was fucking hammered. I could barely get him in the car. He passed out in our guest bedroom, and we talked the next morning.”
“Wow. Julian losing control. That’s never a good thing.”
“No shit. We’re fine. I’ll get over it. I want you happy. I want my niece to have a family. The same one we have with two loving parents who want what’s best for her.”
“Do you mean that?”
“Of course I do.”
“Where is he now?”
He chuckled, and the doorbell rang before he added, “At your front door.”
—Julian—
There she was, finally standing in front of me. Before she could say a word to me, I bent forward and threw her over my shoulder.
“Julian! What the hell?”
I walked into her house, looking around for Capri. Ready to throw her over my other shoulder and leave with what belonged to me.
“Where’s our daughter?”
“She’s out with Emily. Put me down!”
“Not a fucking chance. You’re coming home with me. Now!”
“Julian—”
“Where are they? I’ll go get her.”
“They’ll be home any minute. Will you please calm down?”
“This is me calm.”
“Really? You’re literally carrying me on your shoulder like a freaking cave man. What’s next? Going to hit me over the head with a club and drag me out of my home?”
“This isn’t your home. Your home is at the ranch with me.”
“You’re right. It is.”
Now that got my attention, and I set her down on the entry table, caging her in with my arms.
“Are you fucking with me?”
She smiled, shaking her head. “I never should have left, and I’m so sorry I did. I’m also sorry about the birth control and Capri. I was young, but I don’t regret it. I couldn’t imagine my life without her in it.”
“How could I be upset with you? You gave us our baby girl.”
“I love you, Julian. I’ve always loved you, and I always will.”
I laid my forehead on hers, rasping, “You mean I don’t have to spank you into submission?”
“No, I’m not really into that.”
“Unlucky for you, I am.”
Grabbing my face, she looked deep into my eyes. “Take me home. Please. I want to go home.”
I didn’t have to be told twice, claiming her lips like she did my heart.
“I love you, Autumn. I want to forget about the past and just focus on the future. Can you give me that?”
She nodded. “Yes, I can now.”
“You’re not going to run away from me anymore?”
“No. My life belongs to you. It always has. I love you, Mr. Locke.”
“Say it again.”