“I know there’s nothing I can say that can erase the past seven years. But I am sorry you and Nova were hurt.” He avoided Abe’s narrowed gaze. “I didn’t consider your feelings when I dared Cobra to prove himself. I just wanted to be president no matter the cost.”
“Get out of my face,” Abe hissed.
“You got it, prez.” Micah saluted and went out the back door.
I couldn’t believe the tension between those two.
“Karma.” Silas came up on my side with a guilty expression. “I was in on it with Bone. I heard you bang on the door and run out of the building. I’m sorry.”
“What?” I was stunned. Abe hadn’t told me about Silas. “Why?”
“You know why.” He stared at me.
“Wow. That’s how you show someone you care about them? By shattering their world?”
Abe’s hold around me became possessive.
“I didn’t know you were pregnant,” Silas said.
“Would that have made any difference? I thought you were my friend!” I looked at my daughter sitting between Ben and Lady M. Piper was with them. Nova appeared happy and content as they doted on her.
“I’m not sure what I would’ve done had I known about the baby. I was only eighteen, immature, and jealous you chose Cobra.”
“Silas, you were never in the running. There was no choice to make. I had loved Abe for years, well before you ever considered me. You know that.” I couldn’t deal with all this deception. “I need some air.” I slipped out of Abe’s arms.
“I’ll come with you,” Abe said.
“No. Stay with Nova. I’ll be fine.” I went out onto the porch.
I fought the hot tears burning behind my eyes as I gulped in the fresh air. To hear Micah and Silas admit they pressured Abe to prove himself made me irate. He could’ve refused the dare. Or told me the truth before going through with it.
At least Abe was genuinely remorseful. I couldn’t say the same about Micah and Silas.
Lousy sons of bitches.
Well, I wouldn’t let them win.
Abe and I had a second chance. By damn, I would make sure it was beautiful and fruitful.
22
Cobra
There wasn’t a more adorable and smart-as-a-whip kid on the planet than my daughter. Nova amazed me at how quickly she understood what everyone told her about my family while working on her family tree.
Lady M colored with Nova while Piper prattled on about all the fun things she wanted to do with Nova this summer. Her list included picnics at the lake, ice cream at the park, and movie nights in the treehouse.
Nova hadn’t stopped smiling, neither had I.
Not long after my brothers had left to go to work, Karma returned and propped herself on my lap.
“I can’t wait for my teacher to see my new family tree. She’ll love it.” Nova looked at Karma and me. “When can I take it to school?”
“How many more days are there?” Piper asked.
“Next Friday is the last day,” Karma replied.
“Yeah, it’s a short day. We’ll play games and have a party.” Nova’s face beamed with excitement.