Galen pales. “I know. But you need to understand that everything I’ve done has been to try to protect you, no matter how misguided it might seem now.”
“Yeah,” Stella agrees.
Footsteps thundering up the stairs toward us stop her from saying any more, and two seconds later Alex bursts through the door.
“Yo, you won’t believe who I fuc— Oh shit, sorry. Am I interrupting?”
“No, it’s okay. I think we were probably about done,” Galen says, pushing to stand.
“Okaaay,” Alex says awkwardly.
“Theo’s in his room,” I tell him, allowing him to escape and be able to brag about whatever it was he wanted to tell us when he arrived.
“Great, thanks.”
“Is he always so… hyper?” Stella asks quietly as he disappears into Theo’s bedroom.
“Pretty much,” I say, standing so we can see Galen out.
“I’ll let you know when we can go and see your mum,” he tells Stella sadly.
“Okay.”
“I really am sorry for all this. I know I fucked up, sweetheart.”
“Yeah, you did. But I get it. And it’s too late to change it all now, right?”
“Right. Well, I guess I’ll just…” He thumbs over his shoulder and takes a step back.
“Wait,” Stella calls, pushing past me and running at him.
He catches her in his arms and pulls her tight.
“I love you, Dad.”
“I love you too, sweetheart.” He kisses the top of her head and breathes her in as if he’s scared he won’t see her again.
They hold each other for long seconds before she pulls her face from his chest.
My heart aches when he reaches to wipe her tears away, because I want to be the one to do that. I want to be the one to pick her up and put her back together.
“I’m sorry about Maria, Dad. I wish things turned out better for you both.”
“There’s always time. One way or another, we’re going to fix this. Jonas is on borrowed time.” She nods as my eyes narrow.
There’s so much more that he’s not telling us. But then, I can hardly expect him to come and expose all the Family’s plans and secrets. We’re just the kids. We’re only trusted with the entry-level shit, like babysitting jobs.
“I hope you’re right. Maria and Toby deserve some freedom.”
He nods, finally dropping his hands from her upper arms.
His eyes find mine as I step up behind her, replacing him.
“Look after my baby girl, Sebastian. I’m trusting you.”
“I know, sir. And for what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”
“This life isn’t for the faint of heart, son. Just remember that things are often more complicated than they appear, and trust those above you. The majority of us have your best interests at heart. Even if we do get it wrong.”