Page 91 of Shattered Union

"What the hell was it about?" Makenna asks once again.

I explain to them what's been going on with Chloe and what Leeane’s done and why she got a beating.

"She deserved so much more than that," Danny growls. "Fuck, why didn't Chloe say anything?" he asks, glancing around the table.

Callie sits down beside me, and I pull her into my body. She relaxes instantly, her hand resting on my thigh.

"Look," she begins. "I only found out because I saw it happening and chased Marie off. If I hadn't, I'm not sure if she would have told anyone."

"But we're family," Holly says, hurt tinging her words.

Callie nods. "You are, but you have to understand that Chloe's thirteen. You're all gone from the house, you're all older than her. She doesn't have anyone she can talk to," she says softly. "That's not anyone's fault, it's just the way it is. She adores you all, and she'd be really hurt if she thought you were mad she never told you."

I fucking love that she's looking out for my daughter.

"Talk to her, let her know that even though you don't live here, she can call you," Callie tells them just as her da yells her name. "Sorry," she says as she gets to her feet. "You ready?" she asks me and I nod, getting to my feet.

"Are you going back to the house?" I ask Holly and watch as Romero grins. She nods. "All right, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Night, Da," Holly says as she stands and wraps her arms around me. "I really like her for you. She makes you smile. A genuine smile. I haven't seen that in a long time."

"She's right," Makenna says. "She's perfect for you and she doesn't take any crap."

I narrow my eyes. "Why the fuck does that make you smile?"

"Because it means you're fucked. She's not a pushover, she's going to drive you crazy."

I don't give a fuck, she's mine and I'll take her anyway possible.

"Right, I'm off. I'll see you all tomorrow and don't forget none of you are leaving until after the baby shower."

They all nod their agreement and I walk away from them and toward my woman, who's hugging her father, a pizza box beside her.

Ease washes over me. I'm finally going to spend the fucking night with her. It's been too fucking long since I've been inside her. Too fucking long.

26

Callie

Iglance at the screen of my phone once again. He's late. Twenty minutes, to be exact.

"You doing okay?" Mam asks, her lips thinning as she looks at me.

I release a heavy sigh. "Yeah," I reply softly. I'm pissed and annoyed. More so because Chloe had been dying to come to this scan, and if Denis wasn't coming, I'd have driven to get Chloe by myself and bring her with me.

"Liar." Mam claps my hand. "I'm sorry, baby."

I shrug, there's not much I can do about it. "Will you tell the receptionist that we're ready? I'm not hanging around anymore." Mam gets to her feet and walks over to the lady sitting at reception. She gives me a sad smile but nods at whatever Mam's saying to her.

Today was supposed to be a joyous occasion. I'm seeing my babies today, and it was Denis's first time seeing them. But he's late and hasn't messaged me or called with a reason why he's late. He had assured me this morning he was going to be here. He promised he would be. I just can't believe he's done this. A phone call would have sufficed.

"Should be a couple of minutes," Mam tells me. "There's someone in with them at the moment."

"It's fine, I understand," I reply, my voice filled with sadness. "Have you had any thoughts as to what you're going to do for the party?" It’s tomorrow and Mam and Chloe have been very tight-lipped about what’s happening.

Mam reclasps my hand. "It's going to be simple. We’re having it in the back garden, food, drink, music. It'll be a great way for the two families to get to know one another."

I bite back the scoff. That's if Denis can be arsed to show up for that.

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