Page 87 of Redeeming

Maddox’s dark eyes beg me to listen to him, and it pisses me off to think I actually understand what he’s saying. I don’t want any piece of him to be even in the vicinity of being right.

It’s easier to be indignant when you think you have the higher ground.

If he has a point, I lose that ground.

“I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but seriously, Caitlin, put yourself in his shoes. If Dad tells you being with someone is dangerous for that person... IfDadsaid you being with someone was going to put their life at risk, wouldn’t you do anything to keep them safe?”

“I don’t know. If it meant breaking someone’s heart?—”

“Don’t even try to finish that sentence, Cait. You’d do the same thing he did. He didn’t have a choice. We’ve grown up with Dad, and neither of us has ever stood up to him until that day.We’ve never had to because he’s always been the one in control.” He doesn’t look remotely happy about it, but my brother stands here, defending Callen’s motives even though they haven’t spoken in months.

“There’s more to it than that,” I try to tell him.

“There’s not. If that’s why you’re putting him through hell—Mom’s words, not mine— then there really isn’t. Maybe try taking a spoonful of your own medicine, little sister.” He raises his brow and waits for my answer.

One he’s not getting. He doesn’t deserve it. Hasn’t earned it.

“There’s more to it than that,” I try to tell him.

And I hate that he’s not wrong.

I’ve lived in Sam Beneventi’s world for twenty-four years.

I know not to ask questions and not to expect answers.

I know how intimidating my father can be, just by opening his mouth.

But I still hate what Callen did, no matter how much I wish I didn’t.

The weird flutter comes back again, and I push my hand against my stomach.

“Are you okay?” Maddox moves toward me, and I take a step back, not wanting his hands on me. Not now. Not when I’m all up in my stupid, hormonal feelings.

“I’m fine.” I shoo him away. “I’m just tired, and I want to take a nap before the game tonight.”

“You’re going?” he asks as his eyes stay zeroed in on my hand.

“Well, I guess so.”

But I’m still not wearing his jersey.

The Sinclairs have never watched a Kings game from our family’s suite. Coach has always been on the sidelines, and Katherine is typically with the rest of their family in their own suite. But tonight, they’re both in our family’s suite, waiting for the national anthem and kickoff. It’s a strategic media move to show that Coach has the Kingston family’s full support. He already knew he did. He’s been like family for as long as I can remember. But now the media will know it too.

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised when he stands next to me at one of the high-top tables and wraps his arm around me. “Hey, kiddo, how are you feeling?”

I’m not a hugger, but something about seeing him here, knowing what the past six months have been like for him, has me stepping into his hug.

“I’m okay, Coach. How are you? I heard today was your last treatment.” I pull back and am immediately struck by the shadows under his eyes. “How areyoufeeling?”

“Treatment day is never the bad day. It’s the day after that isn’t the best. But I’m done. Now it’s wait and see. I get another scan in a few weeks. But enough about that. You want to tell me how my grandbaby is doing?” His eyes soften and warm at the mention of the baby. “Have you guys settled on a name yet?”

“No.” I smile. “Not even close. Callen keeps shooting down every one I like.”

Coach grins at the mention of Callen. “He’s always been stubborn. Gets it from his mother.”

“I’m sure he does,” I laugh. “Has Callen shown you the ultrasound yet? We had an appointment yesterday, and they didone of those 4-D ones.” I open my purse and pull out the copy I kept in there. “She’s got his big head.”

I hand him the image and hold back my own tears as I watch his pool in his blue eyes. “Oh wow, Caitie. She might have his big head, but she’s beautiful. I’ll bet she looks just like you.”

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