Page 95 of Winters Heat

“It’s… I’m sorry, Mia. I saw a shine in my son when you were around. He was different, and it was special. I’d hate to see him lose you because he’s an ass.”

“He is special. I hope he’s doing okay.”

“You care about my son?”

“I do.”

“I’m sorry you’re hurting.”

Mia shrugged again. She couldn’t think of anything to say that wouldn’t magnify the hurt. And Clara. Sweet Clara. She wanted to hold that baby as bad as she wanted to smack Colby and hug his mother.

“He’s hurting, too. His fault, but he is.”

“I don’t know what to do.” Her voice broke. She couldn’t believe she’d said that out loud.

Judith was off the couch in a second, wrapping a motherly hug around her, with Clara giggling in the middle.

This is what a hug from a mom should feel like.

“Oh, honey, me neither,” Judith said. “I’m so sorry.”

Mia’s tears fell, and Judith kept her close. “I’m sorry to cry.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“I miss him.”

“We all miss you.”

Mia wiped at her streaking makeup. “Thank you for saying that.”

“Alrighty, I had no intention of making either of us cry.” Mia didn’t even notice Judith’s watery glance until she’d said that. “You know how to get a hold of me, right? Please call. If you need anything, call me.”

“Sure. Thanks for coming by and for bringing Clara.”

“Of course. And again, I’m sorry to interfere—”

“Please. You’re not interfering, Judith. Besides, you can’t compare to Jared and Cash. They’ve made it their personal mission to make sure I’m okay. I’m like their adopted younger sister or something.”

Judith laughed.

Mia smiled. Cash had shown up, armed with jokes, and Jared had tried to act like a hard ass. He failed each time.

“I was surprised to see you and not one of them. The guys keep popping in. No idea how they’re getting on base.”

“They can get anywhere. That I’ve learned.” She gave a pause, possibly thinking what Mia thought. If they can get on base, Colby could’ve done the same. “Those boys. They’re like a nuclear, adrenaline-junkie, gun-toting family. Blowing stuff up and drinking beers together. They think I don’t know what all they do. But I know. And I’m proud of them.”

“Me, too.” With each passing moment, she missed him more and more.

“If he ever comes around, tail between his legs, I hope you’ll give him a second chance. That is, if you think he deserves it. I’ll see myself out. Take care, Mia.”

Clara reached her chubby fingers to Mia and called out gibberish again, sweet and innocent, as Judith walked them away.

Mia plopped into her chair, spun in mindless circles, and drifted to a stop. She shuffled papers and tried to ignore the jewelry-sized box under her desk. It beckoned to her, screaming for attention. She wheeled away from the desk and bent down to wrap her fingers around it, wishing she could crush it.

Everything happened for a reason. If nothing else, she now understood how family was supposed to feel. She deserved it. The deluxe package. A husband, kids, and a happily ever after.

She fingered the brown leather box and listened to the muffled rattle as she flipped it over again and again in her hand. Mia shut her eyes and pulled the top off, dumping the contents into her palm. Metal shards. Disfigured, corkscrewed, and hooked. Shrapnel.

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