Page 124 of All Our Secrets

The pause in her voice had me sighing. “But…?”

“It just makes sense. Why King has been this way for so long. He’s always loved you. He never should have lied, that’s for sure, but maybe he thought it was too late to bring it up. Do you remember your wedding, Peyton? Because I do. Theodore was King’s best friend, and King didn’t show. Of course, King has always been a moody son of a gun, so we didn’t think too much of him refusing to be in the wedding, but to not show to the wedding? An asshole he may be, but King is always there for the people he cares about. It must have sucked to watch you marry someone else. So much he refused to be a part of it.”

“That’s his fault.” My voice rose. “All Silas had to do was talk to me—” I broke off, covering my forehead. “You know your thoughts are ugly when you can’t admit them out loud.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say. All I know is what I see. Silas King has and forever will be there for you. I honestly think if you told the man to walk on his hands for the rest of his life, he would try to please you.”

Her words weren’t helping. I was well aware of how good Silas was to me. Before I discovered the lie. “Don’t.”

“Seeing you love someone else was a harsh punishment he placed upon himself.”

“Sarah.”

“And his scars, Peyton. We might not bring it up, but they’re severe.”

“Don’t insult the way he looks.”

I wasn’t blind to the odd or horrified looks on strangers when they spotted Silas. I just didn’t understand why. They were burn scars. Why stare? He was a very handsome man.

She smiled. “I’m not, but maybe… take that into consideration. You’re a beautiful woman. Maybe he assumed you’d never want anything—” She cut off as I wiped the tears from my eyes. “All right. I won’t bring him up anymore.” She made a sound in her throat and burped T.J., all the while her knees kept bouncing. She couldn’t sit still. She’d smile at my son, look at me, and avert her gaze just as quickly.

I narrowed my eyes. “Sweet baby Jesus, Sarah, spit it out.”

“It’s in my purse. Look, please.” Her smile grew tenfold as I walked over and did as she asked. My eyes widened at the ultrasound pictures.

Her face was flushed as she laughed, tears spilling down her cheeks. A glow of happiness radiated from her. I had been too absorbed with my problems to notice before. “I’ve known for a while, but it’s never been the right time to tell you. T.J.’s getting a playmate.”

Sarah’s happiness was infectious. We were giggling when I plopped down beside her and hugged her. “A baby is always something to celebrate. I’m sorry you didn’t think you could tell me.”

“We’ve wanted a baby for a while, but it wasn’t until I got a hold of T.J. that I knew it was time.” She beamed down at my son.

“This is perfect. How excited is Devin?”

“He’s so happy. I think he’s going to be a good dad.”

I nodded. “He will.”

______

The ground felt like it was falling out from beneath my feet as I stood from my chair the following day. Hands on the desk, I held myself steady and took a deep breath.

One of my students asked, “Are you all right, Mrs. Johnson?”

“Yeah. I’m fine.”

I hadn’t been eating well lately. My body was overdue for a good meal. For T.J., I had to do better.

When I tried to walk, it got worse, though. As soon as I let go of the desk and raised, my vision blurred. Everything in the room spun. My students, the desks, everything wrapped together, spinning farther and farther away. I tried reaching for my desk but missed it completely and stumbled forward.

“Mrs. Johnson.”

My head smacked against the metal edge. Pain vibrated up my skull, and I winced.

One of my students grabbed my arm, and I let them help me up. “Thanks.”

“Do you want me to get someone?” Shirley asked, guiding me to my seat.

I sat down, rubbing the knot forming on my head. All of my students were gathered around my desk. So many anxious teenage faces blaring at me. “I’ll call them. Everyone, relax. I’m fine, guys. Head back to your seats.”

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