Page 80 of Back in the Saddle

I couldn’t move. I couldn’t process what was happening.

Taylor’s reaction seemed to be what Mam was waiting for. Mam gave a small head tilt, which conveyed so much attitude. “I don’t need to tell them what they already know. You’re a terrible wife and mother.”

“I’m a terrible mother? You left your children for weeks, months, at a time. And expected Ciaron to look after them.”

Mum shrugged. “They survived.”

“Do you even love them? Love Ciaron?”

Mam puffed her chest out. “This isn’t about me.”

Taylor shook her head, angry tears streaming down her cheeks. “I hope one day he can see through you.”

Mam cackled. “Desperate men will believe anything. Like how I love him, and you don’t.”

“What did I ever do to you?”

Mam looked at her like she was the daftest person in the world. “He left me with those boys because ofyou.”

“He left you withyourchildren.”

“For you. I have no idea what he sees in you.”

“Why can’t you just leave us alone?” Taylor’s voice broke at the same time my heart did.

“That’s enough,” I commanded as I strode towards them.

“Ciaron.” Mam rushed to me.

I dodged her and went to Taylor’s side. Tears were rolling down her cheeks. I clasped both sides of her face and made eye contact with her.

“You love us, and we love you.”

Her tears continued.

“Taylor, I’m sorry I failed you. I’m such a fucking idiot.”

“You didn’t fail her,” Mam said.

I turned on her faster than a racehorse leaving the gate. “I don’t even know what to say to you right now.”

“Say you’ll come home with me.”

Callum and Isabelle replaced me at Taylor’s side.

I stepped towards my mother. “You are fucking delusional. Why would I ever go anywhere with you?”

“I’m your mother. I love you.”

“You’re not even half the mother Taylor is.” My hands shook. “I was so stupid. All I ever wanted was your love. I thought you were different now, that you loved me. But the only person you love is yourself.”

Her wide, pleading eyes hardened. “You’re just like your father.”

Once, those words would have hurt me. It would have felt like a rejection.

“My father did the best he could. He tried to be a good parent, unlike you.” I turned to Isabelle. “Call Nanna. Ask her if she can come and pick Mamo up so she can pack.”

Mam gasped.

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