Page 50 of Hers to Hold
Mary’s eyes widened. “Not a baker…of course.”
“I’m investigating campaign finance fraud.”
“Whose campaign?”
“Drew Callaghan’s.”
Mary sucked in her lips and nodded. “I see.” She crossed her arms and looked away.
“I took this job to…get close to Kat and hopefully Drew. To see how they were spending their money.”
“And did you find what you were looking for?”
Kady winced at the sting of her tone. “I was hoping…”
“What?”
“Hoping that maybe I could expose your family for both fraud and keeping me from my father. But I now know none of that is true.” Kady blinked back tears. “I know you won’t believe me, but I was more objective regarding my investigation. As soon as I met Kat, deep down I didn’t believe she and her husband were doing anything wrong.”
Mary’s sharp gaze assessed hers. “And Wesley? You met him first.”
If she had guessed Kady would’ve used him to gain access to Drew, Mary was merciful not to say it out loud.It’s on me. This is my confession.Kady’s shoulders fell. “I did. And…”
“And you fell in love with him.”
Kady nodded. “He knows already, that I lied. And he never wants to see me again. What we have—had—is over.” She inhaled sharply, forcing the sob back down her throat, but tears managed to escape. She let them fall. It was the worst outcome and she needed to feel it if she were ever able to get past it.
Mary moved her chair next to Kady’s. She took one of Kady’s hands in hers. “It’s not over if you’re both willing to work at it.”
“He’s not. He told me to leave him and Chastity alone. Iliedto him, Mary, and I don’t blame him that he never wants to speak to me again. I don’t think I would either.”
“Give him time. If what you two had was real, he’s not going to want to let it go.”
His therapist thinks differently. I’m toxic to him. Wes wasn’t supposed to be in a romantic relationship. He went against his doctor’s recommendation and the doctor was proved right.Kady kept this to herself. Hope for a reconciliation dwindled.
Mary wrapped an arm around Kady and drew Kady’s head down to her shoulder. “Now, let’s not be overly dramatic. Wes is still his own man. Real, true love is something you don’t find every day. Once you have it, you should never let go. I was blessed to get a second chance. Not everyone is. Wes has had it rough. You’ve been a bright spot in his life. I bet he’ll come around.”
Kady hoped so, for both their sakes. Because if he didn’t, she’d have no choice but to move. How could she be with her sisters when he was an integral part of their group? They would have to choose between a good friend and a half-sister they barely knew.Talk about awkward.
“Do you think they’ll forgive me?” Kady asked about her sisters.
Mary was silent for a moment. “I think so. Keke would probably be the hardest to convince, but she’s away right now so you don’t have to worry about her. But Kat and Kori would be understanding.”
“How can you forgive me?”
“I figured you had your reasons and that it would be unfair not to hear them out. Knowing Gregory, he must’ve left you and your mother in some kind of way…” Anger flashed in her eyes, but she smiled and rubbed Kady’s arm. “I don’t blame you for not mentioning it sooner. If he was a jerk, his whole family must be too, right?” She winked.
“No. I didn’t mean—”
“I know sweetie, just teasing you.”
Kady looked at her phone. “I have a meeting in a couple of hours and I have to get to the office to prepare.”
Mary released her and they both stood. “I take it you won’t be back here to work?”
Kady smiled and shook her head. “It’s been great, honest. I’ve gained a couple of pounds in the last week alone. It’s probably better I stick to my day job.”
Mary laughed. “I understand. It’s why I only work here one day a week.” Her expression turned solemn. “Drew is an honest man. And he’s been good to my girl.”
