Page 32 of The Paths We Cross
I reach over and clasp her thigh, giving it a squeeze. “Who knows? From what you’ve told me; she’s an awful mother.”
“She is,” she mutters. “I never thought she would be this awful, though.”
“Have you talked to your dad about it?”
“No,” she admits. “But I should.”
“Call him,” I tell her as I get up to clear the plates. “Maybe he can give us some insight. Maybe he doesn’t even know.”
I hope he doesn’t because I don’t want a reason to hate that man. Everly admires him and loves him, and it would crush her if he knew. Or worse, if he’s involved.
25
EVERLY
I’m shaking as I dial my father’s number. I’ve never been scared to talk to my dad before, but I am now. Does he know what my mother has been up to? Was he part of it? I don’t think I’d be able to handle it if he was.
“Hey sweetheart,” my dad answers after a few rings. “How are you and Hazel doing? I’ve been meaning to call.”
“Hey dad,” I choke out. “Did you know?”
Silence greets me for a few moments. “Did I know what?”
“Did you know what mom and Russel were planning?”
“Your mom and Russel? What are you talking about, Everly? You’re scaring me.”
“Did you know that mom and Russel called Child Protective Services on me and tried to get Hazel taken away? Did you know that they filed a custody case against me?”
“They did what?” Dad rasps. “Why would they do that?”
I sigh in relief. My dad had nothing to do with it. He didn’t plot to take my child from me. “You really didn’t know?” I ask for confirmation.
“No, Everly. I know that she made that comment at lunch, but I didn’t think she would ever be capable of something like that. I would never do that to you. You’re a fantastic mother.”
Rowan wraps an arm around me and pulls me into his side. “I was so scared that you knew,” I admit softly.
“I’m so sorry that she did this, sweetheart. I don’t know what’s happened to her in the last few years. She’s a miserable woman and I don’t think I can stand to be around her anymore. I’m going to pack my bags and leave.”
My heartrate picks up. I’ve wanted this for so long. I’ve wanted my father to realize what kind of woman he was married to. I’ve wanted him to leave her and for us to cut her out of our lives.
“You can come stay with us if you need a place to land,” I offer.
My dad sighs. “Thank you, sweetheart. I’ll find a place close to you guys, but I’ll be okay. I’ll call you when I get settled and we’ll figure out what to do about your mother.”
“Thanks, dad. I love you so much.”
“I love you, too.”
We hang up the call and I bury my head in Rowan’s chest. I feel like I can breathe again since I know that my dad had nothing to do with my mother’s plans.
“So, he didn’t know?” Rowan confirms as he brushes the hair away from my face.
I look up at him. “No, thankfully. He says he’s going to leave her.”
“Wow.”
“I’m a little shocked. I didn’t think I would ever see the day that he would.”
