Page 38 of No Love Lost

Addy chuckled softly, then moved around his body to face him, hands remaining in contact to keep him calm. “I know they’re not demonstrative people, but they love you. Try to remember some of the good memories before you go in. It’ll give you more of a balance.”

He hugged her tightly. “You’re a much better person than I am.”

She laughed again. “Doubtful. Now, let’s get dressed and head out.”

Shock rippled through him. She would go with him.

“I’ll stay in the car, but I’m going with you.”

He hugged her again, but when the kiss started toward nuclear, she stepped back. “No distractions. You’ve worked yourself up to do this. Let’s get it done.”

And she moved to get dressed herself. Not her usual leggings and sweatshirt, but a pair of jeans and a sweater that actually fit her.

When she turned back to him, he hadn’t moved. She looked down at her outfit and back. “What?”

He smiled. “You’re one incredible lady. Now stop distracting me with that sexy body, and let me get dressed.”

She grinned as her eyes roved over him. “I’m not the one showing off my muscles while wearing only a towel. Get dressed, Heath, you’ve got this.”

Then she left him in his bedroom. No wonder she was such a wonderful mom. Face the bad shit head-on, but with a determination that things wouldn’t be as awful as you’d imagined.

He would carry that confidence with him. Instead of reaching for one of his suits, he matched his level to Addy. Jeans and a sweater. He would head into this as himself, not as the man they’d tried to create.

Feeling better, he moved to the kitchen to find Addy filling up two coffee go-mugs. Her eyes roved over his outfit, and she smiled. “Perfect. Let’s go.”

Then she ushered him out the door. He took her hand in the elevator. “Thanks.” She squeezed his hand and leaned her head on his shoulder.

The contented feeling lasted until the gates of his parents’ home came into view. He pulled into the circular drive and parked in front of the house that had never been a home.

Addy ran her hand over his shoulder. “You’ve got this. Remember, they love you and probably did the best they could at the time.”

He grunted. “You might be too optimistic.”

“Nina and I have you in our lives. I’m allowed to be an optimist.”

No wonder he loved this woman. Instead of saying that, he kissed her hard.

She squeezed his hand. “That’ll keep me until you get back. Text me if you need me.”

He huffed out a breath and stepped out of the car. “Keep it running. I don’t want you getting cold.”

“I’ll be fine. Good luck.”

He nodded and walked to the front door. Instead of ringing the bell, he walked straight inside. If this was the last time he entered their home, he was doing it on his terms.

The woman who’d been taking care of his parents’ home for decades rushed into the foyer at the sound of the door. Her face relaxed as she spotted. “Mr. Heath. It’s so nice to see you. I didn’t realize you were coming today.”

Her warm welcome soothed some of his frayed edges. “Nice to see you, Mrs. Collins. It’s a surprise visit. Are they both home?”

She nodded, eyes wide, knowing full well his parents would prefer to be warned of his appearance. “They’re in the breakfast room.” Surprises weren’t common in this house. Which gave him a little zip of power.

Thanks to Addy’s prodding, he hadn’t missed them. His father would probably head into his office soon, and if Heath had stalled longer, he would have had to do this twice. This would be better. Get it all done at once.

He shook his head at Mrs. Collins’ offer to announce him and headed on back. They weren’t getting a chance to prepare for this meeting.

His parents sat at a small table in a nook overlooking the gardens. They were surrounded by expensive linens, fancy silverware and china, and absolute silence. No talking or teasing or laughing. He didn’t remember any of that in his past, but he did remember the silences.

Nina was a lucky kid, and he was going to be even more fortunate to be a part of her life.

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