Page 92 of Fire in My Heart

“Thanks for having me over.”

Cole put an arm around her shoulder. “You’re a part of this family too.”

That hurt. Would I have to continue to see her because of Daphne and Cole? If I was going to walk away, I needed a clean break.

Al held up a glass of champagne. “We’re celebrating the end to a successful season and another amazing year with family.”

Daphne handed out glasses.

“To the Calloways,” I added.

Everyone murmured, “To the Calloways,” and clinked glasses.

I’d survive this dinner, then go back to my empty house where I’d be alone on Christmas night. It was better that way.

But first I had to watch Charlotte sit next to Izzy and listen to her rattle on about school and sports. They laughed and joked, and I wanted to declare that Izzy was my niece, not hers. But I couldn’t. Cole had adopted her, and Charlotte had every right to be here too.

Charlotte deserved this. She was estranged from her parents at least until her father went to rehab, and I didn’t want her to be alone. Besides, if she was here, Rick couldn’t get to her. She was safe. That satisfied me on a soul-deep level.

I tried not to think too closely about that.

Somehow, I made it through dinner. The food tasted dry, but my gaze fixated on Charlotte. She seemed to be happy. She was talking and laughing. She must not be feeling any of the turmoil that I was.

After dinner, we cleaned up. I was quiet. I wasn’t sure how to react to Charlotte being present or what it meant for the future.

When she said her goodbyes, I wondered if I’d made her uncomfortable.

At the last second, I decided to follow her out.

Charlotte frowned at me when I opened the door. “What are you doing?”

“I’m following you. To make sure you’re safe.” I scanned the area, and not seeing anyone, I led the way to her car.

“That’s not necessary.”

“I think it is.”

“You’re so stubborn,” Charlotte said when I reached her car door. I kept my gaze on the perimeter. Rick could pop up anywhere.

“I could say the same about you. You never told me about your stalker ex.”

Her frown deepened. “I apologized for that. I should have told you.”

“I appreciate that.” But I couldn’t let it go.

Her hand rested on my cheek, and I wanted to sink into her warmth. “I love you, Teddy.”

The words were on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn’t get them out. Something was holding me back.

“But I know that you’ll never forgive me for not telling you.” Then she spun and got into her car.

“Be safe,” was all I could say as her eyes crinkled in disappointment.

I couldn’t be the man she wanted. I watched her drive away, her taillights getting dimmer until they disappeared altogether.

Wes appeared at my side. “Did you talk to her?”

“She told me she loved me, and she understood that I can’t forgive her,” I was pleased to report.

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