Page 91 of Needing to Fall
“Yes. Nice to meet you,” I said, pulling out my confidence. Where from? I didn’t know and didn’t care. I needed it, and I was grasping it with both hands.
“Please, let’s go into the living room,” Weston said.
I nodded as the three kids turned around and walked into a room off to the left. I inhaled deeply, suddenly needing the air, and the smell of cinnamon invaded me. It wasn’t strong; it was homey, warm, and settled some of the nerves that were flaring.
Everyone stood in the room as Lynx and I entered, and I squeezed his hand.
Why were they all staring at me? Did I have something gross sticking out of my nose? I turned to Lynx, who kissed my temple reassuringly.
“Please sit,” Chloe said, pointing to the love seat.
I sat with Lynx right next to me, his hand not leaving mine, giving me that moral support I so desperately needed. Everyone else scattered around, sitting on reclining chairs and couches.
The room was beautiful with butter cream walls lined with pictures of their family, all five of them happy. The fireplace was a focal point with large stones going all the way to the ceiling.
This house was like Bailey’s: a home.
Weston clapped his hands together, making me jump.
“Sorry,” he muttered. “Let’s get the elephant out of the room first and foremost.”
“Reign, I know all about what my husband did. He’s paid dearly for it over the years.” Chloe smiled at her husband with nothing but love shining through. I didn’t know how she did it, but she did. “My children have just learned of this, as I liked to keep our personal business away from them.” She looked at her kids, nodding to each one. I admired how she sat there with her back straight, exuding so much confidence. I would love to be like that one day.
“We’re pretty pissed at Dad,” Kyler said, his voice low. “And that’s probably not going to change for a while, but that has no reflection on you.”
It was my turn to have the wide eyes.
“Yeah, I can’t believe my dad did that to my mom, but it’s so cool I have a sister!” Lindsey exclaimed. I had to sit back in my seat a bit at her enthusiasm. “I’ve always wanted a sister. I begged my parents for one, and look, I got her!”
I wished I could share in her joy, but this was all too new for me, too raw. It hadn’t penetrated quite yet, but I hoped that I would feel like I was in the same boat one day.
“I did something stupid, and I’ve paid for it, and I’m going to pay for it again.” Weston looked at his three children. “I get that. I understand that. But there is no reason that you have to have anything less from us than us. We aren’t perfect—I don’t know who is—but we welcome you here with open arms.”
Tears welled up in my eyes. He had no idea the gift he was giving me, no idea the impact it would have on my life. I tried to keep the tears at bay, but they fell, almost cleansing me in a way, cleaning me from my past and allowing me to move forward.
“I don’t know what to say,” I responded.
“You don’t need to say anything, dear,” Chloe said calmly. “We just want to get to know you, your life.”
That struck a chord. I almost wanted to hide it all from them and pretend it hadn’t happened, but looking at their expectant faces, I knew I would have to tell them some of it. I wasn’t ready to share all of it, though. That would have to be for some other time.
Kyler spoke then. “I’m the oldest in the group. I work at dad’s company, but I really love to paint. He says I canpaint in my spare time.” He used an even deeper voice for those last words. “But it’s a paycheck.” He shrugged.
“I’m the next,” Colton said. “I run and train for marathons.”
My eyes widened. “Those are, like, really hard,” I said stupidly then bit the inside of my lip so I didn’t say more.
Colton laughed. “Yeah, they are, but I love it. I also work at the company. Family business and all.”
“My turn,” Lindsey said with marked enthusiasm. “I’m going to start my freshman year at the University of Washington, and I’m super excited about that.”
“Mom and Dad are, too. It will get you out of the house,” Kyler barked, and Colton laughed. This started the back and forth, and everyone talked over everyone else.
I looked around the room filled with laughter and happiness. The only thing missing was Andi, and then it would be complete. I might have been through hell, but in doing so, I had become a stronger woman, one I was proud of. I was a woman who could stand on her own two feet, feel love, and give love. In that moment, I felt complete for the first time in my life.
One Year Later
“Lynx, we’re going to be late! Let’s go!” I called down the hallway.
