Page 34 of Twins for the Silver Foxes

Hannah’s nose crimped with the force of her frown. If Liddy was somewhere out of earshot, I suspected she’d have a lot more to say to Scott. “It was the right call, Scott.”

“Really?” He pinched her chin between his thumb and forefinger and brought her face around. “Then why do you always look away when you say it?” He released her, nodding when she refused to answer. “That’s what I thought. You left with no explanation. No reason. Do not take me for the kind of man who will overlook that. We’re not useless debris you can simply throw aside.”

“I don’t.” She stopped and closed her eyes. When she opened them, hurt lingered in the depths. “I don’t belong in this world.” Her voice dipped almost too low to hear. “I was good enough for your bed but we all know you would have tired of me and sent me away. I simply did what was best.”

“Best for whom?” The question landed with the force of a bomb.

Hannah’s breath wheezed out. “Best for me. And I still think it’s the best course of action overall.” She motioned toward Liddy. “It’s time for us to go home.”

“This is your home.” Scott ducked his head, forcing her to look at him. “This is where you belong. With us. When you’re ready to accept that, you know where to find us.”

“Don’t be so sure.” Hannah said as she took Liddy into her arms.

“Can I drive you home?” I asked her, trying to interrupt the tense silence before they resorted to a full-scale war.

“I drove my own car.”

“I’ll find a way home.” I set a hand in the small of her back, and when she let it stay, I breathed easier. “It’s late, and I’d like to make sure you arrive safely.”

“Worried I’m not capable of driving in the dark?”

“Do not put words in my mouth or attempt to pick a fight with me because you are mad at Scott.” The warning notes rang out clear and strong.

Hannah relaxed beneath my palm and after she said her goodbyes and thank-you’s, we headed out to her car. She buckled Liddy into her seat before handing me the keys and sliding into the passenger seat.

I drove and let the silence take over. I was comfortable in the quiet spaces where truth lingered just out of reach.

“Do you think I’m a good mother?” Hannah asked as she stared straight ahead. “Tell me the truth.”

“Yes.” I tapped the blinker for a right turn and eased onto the street.

“But why? I feel like I’m always failing Liddy.”

“I think every parent worries that they’re not good enough. That’s what makes them try so hard and ultimately what makes them a good parent.” I squeezed her knee slightly but took my hand away quickly, concentrating on the road. “Worrying is part of parenting. I’d be more concerned if you thought you were perfect.” I smiled. “Though you are. Perfect, that is. You’re one of the best mothers I’ve ever seen. It’s been my privilege to spend time with you and Liddy.”

We pulled into her driveway and I turned off the ignition. Her fingertips trailed over my palm as she took the keys back. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure.”

Her face was hidden in shadow but I heard her breath catch with a tiny gasp. The distance between us closed, one of us leaning forward, though I had no idea who.

“Goodnight.” She ducked out of the car and gathered Liddy into her arms. I stayed until the front door closed and a light appeared in the back room.

18

SCOTT

Iwas not letting Hannah dart off and leave again for months on end. I called and left her a long voicemail, apologizing for my behavior last night. “There’s no excuse. I was an asshat of the highest caliber. I’d like to make it up to you with another dinner, at our place. Please, Hannah.”

I was not above a little begging either.

Minutes later, a thumbs up emoji appeared in a text from Hannah. I punched the air, feeling a decade younger, and called both Ryland and Arthur. “Hannah’s coming over again tonight.” Glee infused my bones and set my feet to dancing across the lacquered floor.

We were all anxiously waiting for her when she rang the bell three hours later. Deena had left for the night, more than happy to turn the house over to us once she realized Hannah was returning.

Arthur answered her press on the doorbell and walked her into the dining room where we’d set up a cozy dinner. She approached with a hesitant step and no Liddy at her side. An ill feeling wrenched through my stomach. “Is everything all right? Where’s Liddy?”

Hannah plucked at her sleeve. Anxiety bled over her features, whitening her skin and turning her blue eyes lifeless. “I need to tell you all something.”

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