Page 135 of Undone

I stared at him, a strange numbness creeping through me. “So, you’re not going to jail? You’re not going to pay for what you did?”

He shook his head. “No, but that doesn’t mean I’m free. I’ll never be free of this. Of the guilt. I’ll have to live with it for the rest of my life, knowing I put you in danger. Knowing I let him become who he is.”

Tears threatened to fall again. “Dad, you didn’t just let me down. You let everyone down. All those women. You let him become a monster.” The words felt like poison as they left my mouth.

“I know,” he whispered. “And I’ll never forgive myself for that. I’ve been trying to make it right. Offering resources, helping however I can. But… I can’t undo what’s been done.”

I stood there, frozen, trying to find the words that would make sense of everything. I swallowed the lump in my throat.

My dad made terrible choices—choices that affected my life in ways I didn’t fully grasp until now. But in his own flawed way, he’d tried to make amends.

“I need some time… to process this,” I whispered.

He nodded, tears welling in his own eyes. “I don’t expect you to forgive me, Noah. I just… I want you to know that I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I ever put you in danger.”

His words didn’t feel like enough. I didn’t know what to do with them. What to do with this shattered version of the man who was my father. But I knew I wasn’t ready to forgive him yet.

But at least now I knew the truth. And for now, that was enough.

FIFTY-ONE

Dorian - December

CARRY YOU HOME - ALEX WARREN

The December windrattled the windows, but the warmth inside the ranch house made it feel miles away. The smell of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen, blending with the sound of laughter and the occasional clang of a baking sheet. Gracie sat at the counter, her tongue poking out in concentration as she carefully piped pink icing onto a cookie.

“Don’t forget the sprinkles,” Noah said, sliding the container to her. She leaned against the counter, her apron tied neatly around her waist.

Gracie grinned and dumped a pile of rainbow sprinkles onto the cookie, sending a few flying onto the counter. “Daddy, look!”

I chuckled, as I wobbled by on my crutches. “It’s perfect, G.”

She beamed, holding up the cookie as though presenting a masterpiece. I leaned down, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. Across the counter, Noah’s gaze lingered on us briefly, her lips curving into that soft smile.

No words were needed. Everything we had built, everything we had fought for, was written there in the way she looked at me.

She walked over to me, wiping her hands on a dish towel before tucking herself into my side. I slid my arm around her waist, pulling her closer and kissing her temple. She let out a soft sigh, her body relaxing into mine, her presence settling something deep inside me.

The front door creaked open, letting in a sharp burst of cold air. Colt walked in first, his broad frame silhouetted against the porch light. Behind him, Lilah stepped in hesitantly, her son Caleb clutching her hand.

I raised an eyebrow at Colt, and he leaned in as he shrugged out of his jacket.

“She’s been going through a hard time,” he murmured low enough that only I could hear. “Figured they could use the company. Dad already knows.”

I nodded, glancing at Lilah’s uncertain expression. Noah, of course, didn’t miss a beat.

“Come on in!” she called out, her voice warm and welcoming. “Gracie’s been decorating cookies—we’ve got plenty to share.”

Caleb’s eyes lit up at the mention of cookies, though he stayed close to Lilah’s side. “Cookies? I love cookies. Cookies are yummy!” he said.

Gracie waved him over enthusiastically. “You can help me if you want!”

Lilah smiled gently, nudging Caleb forward. “Go ahead, buddy.”

As Caleb joined Gracie at the counter, I caught Colt’s gaze drifting toward Lilah. His usually guarded expression softened for a fraction of a second before he turned his attention back to the room.

Lilah stood near the doorway, her posture tense but her face relaxed as she watched Caleb pile frosting onto a cookie with all the grace of a bulldozer. “Thanks for having us,” she said quietly.

---