Page 94 of Undone

Gracie glanced up at Colt with wide eyes. “Uncle Colt, why are you mad?”

The hard lines in his face eased as he turned to her. “I’m not mad, G. Just… talking.”

Gracie gave him a little frown, clearly not buying it. “I don’t like it when you’re mad. You look all scary and grumpy.”

Colt let out a low chuckle and ruffled her hair. “I’m not scary, kiddo. I’m your favorite uncle, remember?”

Gracie giggled—her mood instantly brightened. “You’re my favorite… today. And you’re not scary to me. You’re just like Dad. He can be grumpy sometimes too.”

“Hey!” I protested but couldn’t help smiling at the way Colt’s entire demeanor shifted.

It was always like this with Gracie—he could be closed off with everyone else, but the second she entered the picture, his guard came down. She was one of the few people that could reach him, and I loved seeing that from my grumpy brother.

Gracie wriggled in her seat, her curiosity not satisfied. “But Uncle Colt, why did Miss Lane leave if she was your girlfriend? I thought girlfriends were supposed to stay.”

I saw Colt hesitate, his gaze flicking to me for a second before landing back on Gracie. He cleared his throat.

“Well, sometimes people leave, G. Even when you don’t want them to.”

Gracie’s brow furrowed, and her small face scrunched up in thought. “Like my mom?”

My heart sank and Colt sighed, running a hand through his hair. I started to speak, but Colt raised his hand gently, indicating he had it.

“Your mom didn’t leave you because she wanted to. She loved you a whole lot, but…” He paused. “Sometimes people get really sick or hurt, and their bodies can’t keep them here anymore.”

Gracie blinked, her eyes wide and searching his face. “But why didn’t the doctors make her better? Maybe she can come back?”

Colt swallowed hard. We’d had this conversation a handful of times, but she was getting to an age where these questions were coming up more and more.

“They tried, kiddo. They did everything they could. Sometimes, even doctors can’t fix things. Your mom’s body was too tired, and she had to go.”

Gracie was quiet for a moment, processing his words. “So, she didn’t leave because she didn’t love me?”

I spoke up, pushing down my emotions. “No, G,” I said. “She loved you more than anything.” My voice was hoarse, despite my efforts. “She didn’t want to go. It wasn’t her choice. I know if she could be here with you, she would.”

Gracie gave him a small, sad smile, her eyes wet but bright. “I miss her.”

I rubbed my chest in an attempt to dull the ache. Gracie had never even met her mother, so her statement was nothing short of devastating.

Colt gently pulled her into a hug, wrapping his arms around her. “I know you do, G. But you’ve got a lot of people who love you, okay? We’re all here for you.”

Gracie snuggled into him, her small arms wrapped around his neck. “You’re the best, Uncle Colt. I don’t think anyone’s better than you.” The corner of Colt’s mouth twitched, a rare smile breaking through his broody exterior.

“Hey, what about me?” I teased, needing to lighten the mood.

Colt’s eyes fluttered shut as he held my daughter. After a moment, he shifted in his seat, letting her go.

He picked up his water and took a long sip before turning back to me.

“So, no Lana,” I said, watching his reaction carefully. I wasn’t going to let him get off the hook just because of change in subject. “Anyone else you’re interested in?” I teased.

His jaw clenched, his eyes darkening.

“No way… Thereissomeone. Who?” I asked.

“Doesn’t matter. She’s not interested.”

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his rare admission. “I thought girls were into the man bun, beards, tattoos and broody exteriors these days?”

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