Page 44 of Sweet Southern Heat

“It-it’s not that,” I claimed. At least that wasn’t the whole reason. “I never wanted to come back and live here. Nan knew that. I still can’t figure out why she left me the bakery. It wasn’t what I wanted. Still, I tried. For her, I tried to make it work, but I can't. I hate letting her down, but I just can’t do it.” My voice cracked, and my eyes burned with unshed tears. My mom reached for me and pulled me into a hug. It was such a surprise, it took me a moment to register what was happening and return her embrace.

“Oh, honey, you’re not letting anyone down. Mama would understand,” she assured me, running a soothing hand over my hair.

“What about you? I know the bakery was never your passion, and you don’t want to take on another business, but are you okay with it leaving the family?” She sighed and pulled away.

“I’m not exactly thrilled at the idea of it being owned by someone other than a Duprey, but I won’t begrudge you your decision. I just want you to be happy. If selling the bakery and going back to Atlanta will make you happy, then I fully support your decision.”

“I want to keep her house,” I admitted. Maybe someday I’d be able to let go of it, but I grew up there. It felt like home. It was where I felt the most grounded. I couldn't stand to lose that piece of her.

“I’m glad,” Mom said, taking a sip from her drink. “We have a lot of good memories in that house.”

We sure did.

The for salesign went up in the bakery the following week. I had a few interviews lined up in Atlanta soon and wanted to get the ball rolling.

I heard through the grapevine that Lyle was immediately arrested upon discharge from the hospital. Apparently, he had enough narcotics on him for ten people. I hated that his life had taken such a drastic turn after the accident. If I could go back and change it, I would. Part of me wondered if that would’ve made any difference, or if he would’ve inevitably ended up on the same path.

My heart ached for Landon. He loved his brother dearly. This had to be hurting him, knowing his brother could go away for a very long time. But perhaps it was the best thing for Lyle. He would have no choice but to get clean. Maybe this was his chance at a fresh start.

Just like moving back to Atlanta was mine.

Chapter 39

Landon

My brother’sface was haggard, his skin sallow, but his blue eyes were clear for the first time in years as he stood attentively, listening to the judge. His dirty blond hair hung limply past his ears, and his beard needed a trim, but he stood tall, his shoulders squared as the judge read the charges from his docket. My father sat next to me, twisting a napkin nervously in his hands. Neither of us wanted this to happen, but we both knew this day would come eventually. Lyle had already gotten away with so much. He’d stolen from our father, sold and used drugs, and vandalized private property and businesses.

My chest constricted as I recalled the devastated look on Olivia’s face when she saw the front window of Sugar & Sage smashed to pieces. The fear in her eyes when her car had been carved up would haunt me for the rest of my life. Of all the people Lyle had hurt in his life, Olivia had suffered the most at his hands.

It wasn’t fair. She was a good woman with a heart of gold. She didn’t deserve all the shit he'd put her through, not then and not now. I hated myself for walking away from her, but I had no other choice. Lyle needed my support. He was my brother,my blood. I was terrified I’d lose him if I didn’t see him through this. If it was in the cards for us, Olivia and I would have another chance. But I wouldn’t get a second chance to save my brother. So that was what I was trying to do. I saw him through his recovery at the hospital. I would see him through this arraignment and then his hearing. I would make sure he knew I was here for him no matter the cost.

When the arraignment was over, we were given the opportunity to talk to Lyle before they took him away. I pulled him into my arms for a hug. His posture was rigid at first, but finally he sagged against me. There wasn’t much I could say. I wouldn’t offer him false assurances that everything would be alright. He was most likely going to prison. For how long, I wasn’t yet sure, but Lyle’s lawyer believed it would be at least a few years, maybe less with good behavior.

I pulled away and cupped my hand around the back of his neck, holding him close.

“I’m here for you,” I promised. “I’ll do whatever I can for you.” His gaze flicked past me where Kara stood, watching us with trepidation.

“Watch over Kara and Jayden. She might not want me after this,” he admitted, averting his gaze, “but I care about them.” He swallowed thickly, and I nodded.

“You have my word.” I stepped aside and motioned Kara forward. She approached tentatively, tears glistening in her eyes.

“Come here,” Lyle instructed, his voice soft and cajoling. I’d never heard him use that tone with anyone before, but it was refreshing to see this softer side to him. She curled into his chest, and he rested his chin atop her head before dropping a kiss to it. We all bid him goodbye and promised to be in attendance for the trial.

The bakery sat catty cornered to the courthouse, and without thinking, I turned toward it when we pulled out of the parkinglot. I approached it slowly, wanting more than anything to stop and see Olivia, but it was best if I kept my distance for now.

“You did really good work on the bakery,” my father complimented from the passenger side.

“Thanks,” I replied absently, futilely trying to catch a glimpse of Olivia inside the shop. A sign in the window caught my eye. My body went cold, and I nearly swerved off the road.

For sale.

What the fuck?

My breath caught in my throat, and I snapped my gaze to the road, righting the truck

“Everything alright?” Dad asked.

“Yeah, I’m good,” I answered quickly, trying to shake the image of the for sale sign from my head. He clearly hadn’t noticed it, or he would be asking questions. I hadn’t told him about my split from Olivia, and he’d been too preoccupied with everything happening with Lyle to notice I hadn’t mentioned her.

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