Page 33 of Entwined Hearts

“This has nothing to do with you,” he says, looking worried. “Is that what this is about? You’re blaming yourself?”

I grimace because it’s starting to hurt too much.

Colby takes my shoulders. He gives me a gentle squeeze. “Anya, he did you a favor. I know it sucks, but he was never going to love you the way you deserve.”

This cuts me right to the core, and a sob rattles in my throat. “So who will then?” I ask, feeling so low I wouldn’t be surprised to see a giant boot coming from above to stomp on me.

“Oh, honey,” Colby says softly, pulling me close.

My head swirls with emotion. But wrapped in Colby’s arms, I feel safe. Protected.

“You’re amazing, you know that?”

“How am I amazing?” I say, settling into his embrace. “I’m blubbering like an idiot over some asshole.”

“That’s the spirit,” he says.

My head fits just below his jawline. I tuck my cheek against his shoulder. The fabric of his coat feels soft against my hot flesh.

“It’s just hard,” I say, reaching my arms around him.

“I know.”

We stand in the dark as if we have all the time in the world. It’s strange because I expect it to feel weird or for Colby to pull away, but he doesn’t.

“Who’s Maddyson?” I ask.

I feel him exhale slowly.

“I saw your tattoo.” I get the sense I’m prying, but I’ll do anything to shift the conversation away from me.

Colby sighs. “Well, she’s about three-and-a-half feet tall, has a killer giggle, and loves to play tea party.”

I lean back to look at his eyes, which sparkle playfully. “You…have a daughter?” I ask as an image of him cradling a baby crashes into my mind.

His eyes narrow. “Why is that such a surprise?”

“I…sorry, of course, it’s not…”

He winks. “Maddy’s my niece.”

“Oh,” I say on an exhale. For some reason, this revelation comes as a relief, though I have no idea why. “Your sister’s daughter,” I confirm.

He nods.

“So, when you left, it was because of her?”

“I was there when she was born,” he says, his face changing to a look so full of joy I’m momentarily stunned because it’s so unexpected. Unexpected and so tender.

Our conversation the night before returns, and another piece of the puzzle comes together. “Your brother-in-law was deployed. So you took care of her.”

He gives me a sharp, almost challenging look. “Yes. And I’d do it again.”

“I’m not judging you,” I say quickly. “It’s just…that’s very loyal.”

He squints. “Sometimes, we do things we don’t understand.” He taps his heart. “But I’ve learned to trust myself.”

“Aha,” I say. “What’s that like?” I ask because I’m feeling so out of control right now.

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