Page 120 of Broken Skulls

His face softens at my admission of having a daughter. “I’m going to go out on a limb and say you’ve been protecting her for a long time.” He hands me a napkin as tears drop into my lap.

I nod silently.

“That’s a big sacrifice.”

“It was nothing.”

“It was everything. Sometimes the greatest way to love someone is to let them go.”

He lets me sob quietly while shielding me so no one notices.

“I’ve got mad respect for you, Elizabeth. Give yourself some credit. It’s a strength to know when to hold on and when tolet go.” His hand wraps around my shoulder, and he shakes me lightly. “I’m glad you’re standing by my brother. He’s lucky to have you.”

“I’m the lucky one.”

“Can’t it be true that you’re both lucky?”

I laugh, letting out an embarrassing little hiccup.

“There. That’s better.”

I give him a small smile.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Elizabeth

Kat stares at her husband’s ass as he hangs the special stained-glass window above the door of the greenhouse. It’s the last piece of the puzzle.

“It’s beautiful!” Charlotte exclaims, clapping her hands.

“It sure is,” Kat agrees.

Jesse smacks her in the arm. “Gross. Just stop.”

“Ph-lease. I’ve watched you drool over your man for how many years?”

“Not the same.” Jesse looks over at her husband, and he winks at her.

Kat rolls her eyes. “No, it’s not the same. You two are fucking worse.” She makes a gagging sound.

The sun hits the little blue and green dragonfly as soon as Petey starts down the ladder.

“It’s perfect,” I whisper, admiring the white and yellow daises the insect is flying over. I hope Jacob appreciates that little touch as much as I do.

Everyone looks up and cheers start to ring out. The project is complete.

“I’ll never be able to thank you guys.”

“You can thank us by getting your old man to come out of that room of his,” Jackson says.

The club all nods in agreement. “We have faith in you!” someone yells.

I place my hand over my heart. “This is going to mean the world to him.”

Dirk and Jesse linger as everyone heads out of the driveway.

Brody points to the house. “I’m going to go in and shower,” he tells me.

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