Page 74 of Trust Me With Forever

Still, as soon as I reached her, she pulled both Rafe and me into a hug. “Welcome home, you two.” She released us and looked first at Rafe and then me before adding, “Yes, things changed on the trip. I see it.”

I frowned, but Rafe spoke first. “What are you talking about?”

My aunt patted his cheek. “Later. Now, come on. Everyone’s in the living room. We added some more furniture since you were here last, to make sure there are enough seats for everyone.” She lowered her voice. “Including an extra spot for when Zane finds his special someone.”

“What about Zach?”

“Oh, he already knows his and just needs to do something about it.”

Before I could tell her not to meddle—which would fall on deaf ears, but I owed it to Zach to try—we reached the doorway to the living room, and my words died on my tongue.

Everyone was there—all my brothers, plus Sabrina, Emmy, Katie, and Amber. The room erupted into chaos, a mixture of hugs and questions and hands gesticulating wildly.

Aunt Lori’s voice cut through it all. “Quiet down and let Abby talk.”

The room fell silent, and my aunt signaled for everyone to take a seat. I was too worked up to sit, so I paced back and forth as Rafe leaned against the wall. I met his gaze. He nodded at me in encouragement, and I took one last steadying breath before I said, “All of you guessed that something happened to me in San Jose during my student teaching internship. Well, let me start at the beginning…”

Little by little I shared what had happened between Travis and me, from his first flirtations to him asking me to be his girlfriend to him eventually dropping hints about what I shoulddo to please him—with a few things left out since I didn’t want to talk about sex with my brothers.

The more I shared, the more my family and friends clenched their jaws. And once I finally finished telling them about his blackmailing and deepfake videos, the room stayed silent for exactly two seconds before Beck asked, “Why didn’t you tell us about this earlier, Abby? We could’ve helped you. I know I was busy with the business, but I would’ve made time for my little sister.”

I met my second-oldest brother’s gaze. “I was worried about what it might do to the winery. Plus, you were shouldering everything and barely sleeping enough most days. I didn’t want to burden you.”

Zach asked, “And what about me, Abby? You, me, and Zane were a little group growing up. We helped with those assholes in high school, when needed. We could’ve dealt with this little shit, too.”

I went to my brother and took his hand. Zach was the sibling who’d stayed around and been there for me. And yet, I still hadn’t wanted to burden him with it all. Especially since he often acted without thinking, and no matter how good his intentions, I didn’t want him to get arrested because of me. “I didn’t tell anyone, Zach. I’d gotten myself into the mess with Travis, and I’d wanted to get out of it alone. And…”

“And what?” Zach asked.

I looked down. “I was somewhat ashamed of being so stupid.”

Zach shook his head. “You’re one of the smartest people I know, Abby. But sometimes, we don’t see what’s right in front of us until it’s too late.”

I noticed Amber frowning at Zach from the corner of my eye, and I sensed there was a double-meaning there. However, Aunt Lori came to my side and gave me a one-armed hug. She spokebefore I could ask Zach any more questions. “We’re here for you, child. When I promised your mother I’d look after you like you were my own, I meant it. We might not share blood, but you’re like a daughter to me, Abby. And I would do anything to help you. I love you, we all do.”

My eyes heated with tears at my aunt’s words. “I know. And I can’t change the past. But that interview is probably only the beginning. Things will get uglier, especially with me now being married to a world-famous soccer player. However, if it ever becomes too much, I’ll understand if you want to step back and distance yourself from me.”

Zach stood up. “No fucking way that’s going to happen.”

West followed suit. “I’m not about to let that asshole win.”

Beck stood too. “The winery is important, but you’re far more important, Abby. And I’m not going anywhere.”

Nolan walked over to me. “I already have people looking into that dick’s background. I’ll do more, whatever you need, just ask.”

Zane managed to get out of his chair, slowly, and nodded. “I still have a lot of contacts in the SEALs and the Navy. I’ll also ask around for anything else he might be hiding.”

Emmy came over and hugged me. “You’re my sister twice over, and I will grab and twist his balls if he ever shows his face in town.”

Katie pumped her fist before saying, “Exactly. I still think we should find him in San Jose, when he least expects it, and show him no one messes with the BFF Circle.”

Amber shook her head. “Let’s not make it obvious. I’m still thinking of how to teach him a lesson without anyone realizing it was us.”

As everyone started talking about plans and who could help, my eyes met Rafe’s. He was still across the room, leaning againstthe wall, and he smiled and winked at me. I smiled back and gestured for him to come over.

He did, and as he took my hand, I squeezed his and mouthed, “Thank you.”

Confusion flashed in his gaze, and I nearly explained that without his support, his trust, him simply being there for me, I might never have had the courage to face my family this way.

---