Page 52 of Sworn to Protect

The weight of his sadness punches me in the gut.

Mackenzie pulls him into a side hug. “I bet you’re going to have a great birthday.”

“Yeah,” he mumbles. “But I wish Dad were here.”

“Me too, buddy,” she says softly.

Mackenzie shoots me a glance. It’s both pained and stressed. I doubt the kids knew about her plans to leave Ethan. There’s no reason to tell them now. But damn if it doesn’t make this whole situation sting.

We walk to the truck in silence. Just as I load the lawn chairs, the lady Mackenzie pointed out earlier approaches. Mackenzie stiffens instantly.

“Mackenzie, dear, I wanted to say hello.” She offers the kids a tight smile. “My, my, how you’ve boys grown. And you”—she places her hand under Liam’s chin—“look so much like your father. It’s uncanny.”

Then her eyes land on me, cool and assessing.

I match her stare, unbothered.

“Hello, Mrs. Morgan,” Mackenzie says.

The woman snubs Mackenzie and turns her attention back to the boys. “Are you ready for school next week?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Liam’s more polite than I want to be.

“I’m starting kindergarten!” Nick beams.

“My, yes. And, Liam, you’ll be in my little Toby’s class. How exciting.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Well, family should always stick together.” She turns and gives me a calculated glare.

I’ve dealt with people like her before. The ones who judge before they know a damn thing.

I plaster on a smile. “Couldn’t agree more. That’s why I’m glad Mackenzie has such a strong support system. School’s important, and I’ll be helping however I can so she can focus on finishing her degree.”

Mrs. Morgan falters. “Well, of course.”

I slide an arm around Mackenzie’s shoulders, just for the hell of it. “We better get going. A better future won’t build itself.”

Mrs. Morgan’s mouth flaps open. I don’t stick around to hear whatever condescending nonsense she wants to spew.

As we climb into the truck, Mackenzie turns to me, shaking her head. But she’s smiling—really smiling.

“Thank you.”

And at that moment, I know I’ll do anything for her.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

MACKENZIE

What could’ve beena sad day doesn’t turn out so bad. The only thing left to worry about is my brother’s present. Or should I say lack thereof?

Nate sits beside me on Mom’s sofa as we watch Liam open his gifts. The back of his hand brushes against my leg, just a small touch, but enough to make my pulse trip. I feel more like a lovesick puppy than a grown woman with two children. I’m not sure what direction we’re heading, but there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the ride. It’s ridiculous how easily he gets me.

He’s been here nearly every night these past few weeks, staying for dinner, bringing takeout so I have more time to study, and helping the boys with their homework. A quiet, steady presence that’s starting to feel like more.

I slip a glance his way, and that warm, sexy smile he gives me sends a flutter through my stomach. We haven’t had much time alone. It’s hard when the kids are always around. He hasn’t stayed overnight. Yet. But I plan on changing that. Mom is keeping the kids tonight, which means it’ll just be us.

---