Page 158 of Penalty to the Heart

I wasn’t looking forward to this part of my busy day, but now that Mom and I are on good terms again, I’m hopeful that Erin might forgive me, too.

These past couple of months with me not seeing her or the girls has been torture.

No matter how many times I call or text Erin, she refuses to talk to me. The only thing she allows is facetiming with Cara and Fiona at night before they go to bed. That’s it. That’s all I get. And even then, I know she’s cautiously listening, ensuring I don’t say anything that would upset the girls.

As if I would ever willingly do that to my nieces.

As Mom and I take the elevator to Jack’s penthouse apartment, I quickly text Roxie to tell her that I will be late getting home, frowning when she only replies with a quick okay paired with a heart emoji.

I’m unable to dwell on Roxie’s short text for too long as Erin opens the front door at that very moment, her sunny disposition instantly fading when she sees me standing next to my mom.

“Hello, sweetheart,” my mother greets, giving her a kiss on the cheek. “I hope you don’t mind that I invited Caleb to tag along with us today.”

“That all depends,” Erin says, crossing her arms over her large belly. “Are you going to be on your best behavior?”

“Aren’t I always?” I wiggle my brows at her.

“Hmm,” she hums suspiciously, eyeing me up and down.

“I’ll leave you two to talk things out,” my mom interjects. “Are the girls in their room?”

“Yes. I was just getting them dressed,” Erin explains, her scrutinizing gaze still on me.

“Then I’ll help them along while you two hash things out.” Mom throws me a tender smile before rushing inside to check on the girls.

“Can I come in, too?” I ask.

“I don’t know. I’m still trying to decide.” Erin taps her foot.

“Come on, E. Just let me in already.”

“Fine. Come on in. The girls will be happy to see their uncle anyway.”

“Not as happy as I’ll be to see them. I’ve been missing them like crazy.” I smile, leaning down to kiss her cheek. “I missed their mom, too.”

Her eyes soften at that.

“Yeah, well, I might have missed you a little bit as well.”

“Just a little bit?” I pretend to pout.

She rolls her eyes and laughs.

“I forgot how relentless you are. Don’t be all charming and sweet when I’m still mad at you.”

“I know, E. And that’s partially the reason why I wanted to see you today. I owe you an apology.”

Her brows hike up in surprise.

“You’re going to apologize? To me? You? Caleb Donovan is going to apologize for something he’s done? Did hell freeze over or something?”

“Yes, something like that,” I smirk before stepping inside.

I take a look around and see that everything is exactly as it was before, suddenly being reminded of how my best memories have happened here.

With Jack’s family.

With my family.

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