Page 124 of Finish Line

“Roger could have hypnotized her into overdosing,” I say quietly.

“Patty had a problem, Shelby. I hoped her time in rehab and my love for her would be enough of a difference. But part of me always accepted that this was a possibility.” Peter kisses my head, then stands. “I have some things I need to take care of here. When I get home, we’ll start planning your mother’s funeral.”

I stand up and hug him tight in thanks.

“Excuse me. Is Shelby Winters in here?” an all-too-familiar woman asks.

Still in Peter’s arms, I peek around him. In the doorway is a short, stout woman with brown hair almost overtaken by gray.

I shake my head. Dammit. She’s quicker than I expected.

“I’m here, Mrs. Abney.” I step away from Peter.

“Aww, Shelby. I’m sorry about your mother. I hoped she would stay clean this time.” She shakes her head. “Well, you know the drill. Let’s go. I have a busy day.”

Security guards are with her. This could turn messy.

I glance at the guys. Damn, I’m going to miss them. Not wanting to make this any harder, I look at them one last time before I turn away.

“Bye,” I say softly as I lower my head and move toward Mrs. Abney.

Mav grabs my arm and draws me backward until we’re both behind the guys. They form a wall in front of us.

“What do you mean bye?” Pain laces Mav’s voice.

“Where the hell are you taking her?” Dom growls out.

“Boys, don’t make this any harder than it has to be,” Mrs. Abney says, her voice monotone. “Ms. Winters is a minor, and the relative she’s allowed to stay with passed. She’ll be going to a group home until she turns eighteen.”

“Over my dead body.” Mav holds me tighter.

“Just try to get through us!” Dom barks over his brother.

I rest my head on Mav’s chest. The others protest, too, but I block them out. The thought of going to another group home makes me sick.

“Quiet.” Peter steps toward Mrs. Abney. “Ma’am, I’m Dr. Peter Tate, Patty’s husband. Shelby lives with us. My son and I were about to take her home.”

“I’m sorry for your loss, Dr. Tate,” she says, not sounding sincere. “Did you adopt Ms. Winters?”

“No, I haven’t, but it doesn’t matter,” he says. “Shelby is my daughter, and she can stay at my house for as long as she wants.”

Mrs. Abney exhales, sounding exasperated over this whole situation. “That’s great, but if she doesn’t have a legal parent, she goes to a home.”

“She doesn’t need a parent. She’s been taking care of herself for years,” Cam berates Mrs. Abney.

“She’s our home,” Mav adds. “You can’t take her.”

“Her mother just died. Do you have to take her now?” Nick argues.

I glance at the two guards. One is eyeing Dom up. If I don’t take control, the guys could get in trouble.

Mrs. Abney hands Peter a business card. “You can call this number to find out about fostering her. But she’ll come with me until you are registered as a licensed foster parent.”

“And how long will that take?” Luke demands.

“She’s not going.” Mav pulls me tighter against him.

“I’m calling our lawyer,” Nick says.

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