“I hope you heard the boy out,” Lita said, fidgeting with the handle of her teacup. “Was he angry?”
“Actually, no.” A fact that had surprised her. While Wesley had always been level-headed and accustomed to the universe giving him what he wanted, she’d have thought the discovery of a secret daughter, which might derail his political career, would be enough to fire him up. “He was quite reasonable about the whole thing.”
Except for that part where he said he’d do what he had to if she tried to keep him away from Izzy. A sliver of ice lodged in her heart at the memory.
Paul cleared his throat, drawing their attention. “Does he want to change the custody arrangement?”
“I don’t know.” That was what scared her most. “He didn’t mention it. But for what it’s worth, if he does, I think Michael will be in my corner.”
“That’s good.” Kat scooted closer so she could put an arm around Bex’s shoulders. “What did you tell Wesley when he asked to meet Iz?”
Weight pressed down on her, making it difficult to breathe. “I told him he could see her next weekend.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “God, I hope that wasn’t a mistake.”
“You couldn’t have kept him away from her forever,” Lita said pragmatically. “Might as well give him a date.”
“Personally, I’m all for keeping him away from our little angel,” Paul argued, earning a reproachful glance from his wife. “Don’t give me that look, sweet pea. You remember as well as I do how much he hurt Rebecca.”
Lita sipped her tea and tilted her head in acknowledgment.
“What do you think?” Bex asked Kat, the least biased of the three.
A furrow creased Kat’s forehead as she thought about it. Finally, she spoke. “If he wants to meet her, then you’re doing the right thing by agreeing, but you need to set some ground rules. You’ve said this weekend, so if he tries to hurry you along, dig your heels in. You need to do this the right way.”
Bex nodded, her worries easing a little with Kat’s words. “Thanks, Kitty-Kat.”
“No problem.”
Something else occurred to Bex, and her stomach re-knotted. “On that note, if Wesley knows, then there’s a good chance his parents do too, or if they don’t, they’ll find out soon enough.” She looked around the table, holding each person’s gaze. Her family would always go to bat for her, no matter what. “I don’t want those spiteful people getting within yelling distance of my daughter. If you see them, or hear anyone asking after Izzy, I want to know. Can you spread the word?”
Paul nodded emphatically. “Absolutely, honey. And if you ever need us to take Izzy for a while, we’re happy to. We’re here if you need anything else, too—including money for a lawyer.” His jaw tightened. “We’ve got you covered.”
Tears sprang to Bex’s eyes. She had the sweetest parents ever. “No, you guys, your savings are for retirement. I’m not taking them away from you.”
“You will if you need to.” Lita’s tone brooked no argument. “Izzy is more important than us going off on some Caribbean cruise.” She shrugged. “Besides, you’ll pay us back. Sell a few paintings, and we’re in the clear.”
Bex wiped her eyes and wished she had the same faith in herself that they did. “We’ll figure it out if it comes to that.” She had no intention of taking their money, but like Lita said, some things were more important. Reaching across the table, she rested her left hand on her mother’s and her right hand on her father’s. “Thanks for always supporting me. You too, Kat. “
“That’s what family does, my darling,” Lita said, turning her hand over to clasp Bex’s and give it a firm squeeze. “Now eat your breakfast, before it gets cold.” Releasing Bex and reaching behind her, she grabbed an already plated omelet and pushed it across the table.
Bex smiled, fully aware that Lita showed her love through food. “Thanks, Mum.” She dug in. The outside of the omelet had cooled, but it still tasted better than anything she’d ever cooked.
They visited for a while longer, and when Kat and Bex finished clearing the dishes and headed out, Kat drew her aside at the front gate.
“How are things going with Michael?”
Bex’s cheeks heated. “We had sex.”
“Oh my God, and you didn’t tell me!” Kat slugged her arm playfully. “I’m happy for you.” She sobered. “Just be careful not to get too involved when you don’t know where all this will end up.”
“I’ll try not to.” But she suspected Michael had already burrowed into her heart. “Izzy comes first.” She glanced around to make sure nobody was nearby before adding, “I like him though. I really do.”
Kat kissed her cheek. “You deserve to be happy. Just take it slow.”
Bex laughed. “I always do.”
Chapter Twenty
Michael dunkeda spoon unenthusiastically into his granola. He should be at Bex’s place, sitting beside Izzy while they ate pancakes, or bacon and eggs, or fried potatoes. Instead, he was stuck here with his shitty granola.