Page 13 of Defend Me (Free 3)

“I’ve got my hands full, but we’re making progress on quotes for the signs.”

“Ella working her magic?”

“She is.”

Blake reached out for Ella. She swatted at his hand before attempting to grab it.

“You’re doomed, buddy,” my brother said, ruffling Blake’s hair.

“We’re headed over to the food truck. Thought we’d bring you back some lunch.”

“Sounds good.” Holt made a face at Ella, who shrieked.

“Baker coming by?”

He checked his phone. “Haven’t heard from her yet. If you don’t mind, bring her something. Either she can eat it or I will.”

“What would you like, sweetheart?”

The endearment twisted my heart. “I’m good, Daddy.”

Creases formed on his forehead, but he quickly smoothed his features. “Don’t be silly. If you don’t decide, I’ll surprise you.”

“What’s good?”

“Everything.” He settled Blake next to Ella in the double stroller. “I’ll get a couple of things and you can pick.”

I was an eight-year-old again, my dad knowing just how to handle my surly nature. How often had I marveled at my dad for how much he gave to his grandson? He knew what single parenting was like. Hell, there had been three kids under eight and he became mother, father, provider . . . all on his own. He taught me about unconditional love. He still did.

Dropping to a squat, I brushed Blake’s cheek. “Mommy loves you.”

“How!”

I narrowly avoided a toddler strength punch to the face. Holt snickered, abruptly stopping when I cut my eyes to him.

As soon asthey were gone, a silence enveloped Holt and me. He shoved his hands into his pockets. I picked up the soiled cloth I’d abandoned and resumed scrubbing.

“If you have something to say, just come out with it,” I said without looking up.

“Are you still talking toher?”

There it was. The loaded question I didn’t want to think about.

“No.”

“Why not?”

I stopped and stared at him.

“Nobody’s pissed at you for wanting a relationship with her. You get that, right?” he asked when I didn’t answer.

My strokes were aggressive as I wiped down the wall. “Could’ve fooled me.” They’d all made it abundantly clear how they felt abouther. I’d felt the same. I definitely did now. But when the opportunity came to have my mother in my life, I couldn't resist. And they were angry at me for it.

He grabbed my arm. “You should’ve told us.”

“What was I going to say? Mom wants me in her life, but none of you?”

He stumbled back. I hung my head. I shouldn’t have said that, even if it was what she’d told me. That should’ve been a clue she was a monster.

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