Page 56 of Falling for You
“You lost your daughter? What does that mean? Why is Ems so upset?” Panic laces his voice, and gone is the anger.
“The Ryans took her. Ems and I went to go get her today after they kept her overnight for us for Willow’s show. But now they won’t give her back. And legally they don’t have to.” I choke on the last part.
There is stomping coming through the inn, and the kitchen door rips open before a whirl of red hair flies past me.
“Get out of my way boys!” Willow yells as she goes straight to the office. When I look around I notice that Violet is silently following her. Torn about whether to join them or not.
Willow has lost a few pregnancies, it’s been really hard on her and G, but I know she’s going to be a great support for Emma.
Gunnar walks in slower after Willow lets the door slam in his face.
“Mom texted us,” he offers. He looks right at me. “They all know?”
“You know?” I ask him, surprised that Emma told him.
“Willow told me on the way over here.”
“Can someone please fill us the fuck in?” Hunter yells.
I look at Nathan, wanting his lead on how to handle this.
“Boys. I’m only breaking your sister’s trust because I feel like you need to know the gravity of the situation.” He sucks in a breath, and nods to me, letting me know that I can pick up the story from here.
“Emma… she, uh, had a miscarriage. In March.” I look down at my hands, not wanting to face them for my next confession. “It was our baby. And now that Olivia is… not home, it’s bringing up a lot for Ems.”
“What the fuck do you mean she had a miscarriage in March? March as in you’ve been screwing my sister for how fucking long asshole?” Hunter lunges for me.
I don’t move. I deserve everything they want to do to me.
Cooper and G step between us.
“Sit down, Hunt,” G demands.
“A year.” I answer his question. He deserves to know. “But it’s so much more than you think it is Hunt. I love her. So fucking much it physically hurts.”
His jaw clenches, and he storms out. Cooper and Liam follow him.
“I’m so sorry.”
I don’t know who I’m apologizing to, or what I’m even apologizing for at this point.
The office door quietly opens. “Roman, I think our girl is ready to go home.”
Home.
This is her home. Here with the Keatons. Not my home where I just cause her more hurt.
I’m vaguely aware that Rome told me we’re at the inn. I feel his arms wrap around me, and I instinctually wrap my arms around his neck.
The next thing I know I’m being placed down, and I can smell Mom’s scent of vanilla buttercream. I curl into her, seeking the comfort I need.
I don’t know how long we sit here together, Mom rubbing my back and holding me tight as I sob. I cry until there’s nothing left.
“Sweet girl, what can I do for you? I can’t fix anything. But I want to take all your pain.”
She sweeps my hair out of my face, pulling the pieces away that are matted to my cheeks, wet with tears.
“Why can’t I keep a baby safe, Mom?”
