Ro’s brows climb to his hairline, and concern is splayed across his face. Jamie’s too. Neither of them has contributed to the conversation, and Ash has been quieter than normal.
“Princess.” Dad wraps his arms around me from behind. “It’s okay, sweetheart. Let it all out.”
“He can’t have Easton, Dad,” I sob, curling into his warm chest. “He’s not taking my son from me! E is all I’ve got left.”
“Viv,” Dillon’s voice is deliberately soft. “I would never take him from you, and I would never do anything to hurt him or add to his pain. I was never going to share anything online. I just said that to make you do things my way, but I wouldn’t have told the world about him or posted any of your pictures. I know you don’t trust me, but you will see the truth in time.” Hurt and longing shimmer in his blue eyes. “I just want to get to know my son. I understand it’ll take time, but I’m begging you to let me develop a relationship with him as his uncle.”
I sob into my Dad’s shirt, unable to deal anymore. I’m physically and emotionally spent. The well is dry, and I just want them to leave.
“I know there are things to discuss, but this isn’t the time or the place. You need to leave.” Mom’s stern tone leaves no confusion.
“I’m very sorry, Lauren,” Cath says. “We shouldn’t have come here today. I can see we’ve only added to Vivien’s stress, and that wasn’t our intent.” She turns to me. “Honey, please forgive us for intruding on your grief in such a selfish way. My heart breaks for you and for Easton. Take care of yourselves.”
“I’ll give you my number,” Mom says, compassion flaring behind her steely determination. “Call me, and we’ll try to arrange something before you return home.”
“I’m sorry, Viv. I’m sorry for everything,” Dillon says, and I twist my head, staring at him through blurry eyes.
Ash approaches with tears streaming down her face. “I hate seeing you in so much pain, and I hate that our friendship was a casualty of all this. We always said we wouldn’t let my brother come between us.”
On instinct, I reach out, hugging her. “That one’s on me. Not you,” I sob, clinging to her. “I never wanted to cut you off. It hurt me to do it.”
“I understand.” She eases back. “And I understand some of what you’re going through now. When you’re ready, please call me. Let me be here for you now. If there is anything I can do to help, anything at all, just pick up the phone, and I’ll do it.” She presses a business card into my hand.
“Thanks, Ash. I’ve missed you.”
“Missed you too. So fucking much.”
Cath pulls me in for a hug. “We love you.” She kisses both my cheeks.
“I love you too.” It’s true. I’ve always loved their family. They cared for me as if I was one of their own. I have no beef with Dillon’s family, and I’m not surprised they turned up en masse today. It’s who they are, and I haven’t forgotten how they opened their house and their arms to me in Ireland.
It’s not their fault their son is a lying, scheming bastard.
She kisses my brow. “You mind yourself, and hopefully, we’ll see you soon.”
“I’ll give you space,” Dillon says as his family walks toward the door. “But we do need to talk soon. I won’t pressure you into anything. I just want a small window to get to know Easton.”
And I just want to pound my fists into your self-centered face until you bleed. “Goodbye, Dillon,” I snarl.
He glances out the window, his expression a mix of pain and longing, before casting one final look at me. “I meant what I said. I know you don’t believe me, but I still love you. I always will. Even if you can never forgive me.”