Page 92 of Awakening the Sheriff

My heart ached despite everything she had done. I couldn’t help but remember the woman I once loved, now sitting broken in front of me.

Tears glistened in Mandy’s eyes, but she blinked them back. “All I wanted was for us to move back to Atlanta. I hate it here in Seattle. I don’t like the crew I’m flying with, the climate is awful, and I haven’t made any friends.”

“Mandy, I’m sorry you’re struggling, but my future is in Forestville with Auden. If you want to go back to Atlanta, you’ll have to do it by yourself.”

She was silent, her gaze locked on the floor as tears finally spilled over. I could see her mind racing, weighing options and consequences. Then her jaw set with determination, and I knew what she’d decided.

“I’m moving back.”

My chest tightened. Even after everything she’d done, I couldn’t believe she would prioritize herself and her needs over our children. “That’s your choice, but it will have consequences for your relationship with Byron and Milton.”

Tears still streaming down her cheeks, she gave me a sad smile. “They were always more your kids than mine anyway. They’ll be better off with you. Just send me whatever papers I need to sign so you can have full legal custody.”

Her words tore at me, but deep down, I was relieved too. My boys needed stability and love, not someone who would put their own needs first. As much as it pained me, this was the best choice for them.

“All right,” I agreed softly. “I’ll send you the papers.”

“Then I guess there’s nothing more to say,” she said, her voice hollow. “Please…just go.”

I rose from my chair, and Auden did the same. “Goodbye, Mandy. I hope you’ll find in Atlanta what you’re looking for, that you’ll be happy.”

When she said nothing in return, I walked out. The cool evening air brushed against my face as the door slammed shut behind us. The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and purple. I stared at my reflection in the car window, my eyes wide with shock and disbelief. Was this really happening?

“Keaton,” Auden said softly, resting his hand on my shoulder. “Are you okay?”

“I don’t know. Did I make a mistake? Should I have tried harder to keep Mandy in their lives?”

Auden shook his head, his gray hair catching the fading sunlight. “No, this was Mandy’s choice. You presented her with the options, and she chose to walk away. I agree with Mandy that it will be better for the kids. This will bring stability for them…and for you. You can now focus on your future, on your family. Our family.”

I took a deep breath. My mind swirled with an array of emotions. My heart ached for my sons, knowing they would have to navigate life without their mother’s presence, but also with relief. My sons deserved a life filled with love and acceptance, and now they would have that chance with Auden and me by their side.

“Let’s get in.” Auden opened the passenger door for me. “Time to go home.”

Home.

I slid into the passenger seat, and Auden got in as well and started the engine. As we pulled away from the curb, I glanced back at Mandy’s house. Was this the last time I’d see her? Was she really walking away from us for good? Despite the pain she’d caused, a part of me still wished things could have been different.

But as we drove farther away, my thoughts shifted toward the future. Auden was right. Not having to deal with Mandy’s disruptive presence would mean stability, continuity. It meant I could now focus on rebuilding my family, merging it with Auden’s. A new family, a stronger one.

I put my hand on his thigh. “Yeah, let’s go home.”

33

AUDEN

As soon as we walked into Tiago and Cas’s house, the scent of roasted garlic and warm bread hit me. It was Saturday evening, the day after we’d driven to Mandy, and we had the night to ourselves. My daughters were still with their mom, and Keaton’s kids had opted to stay another night with my parents. They’d been having fun, Keaton had reported with wonder in his voice.

Keaton and I were having dinner with my friends, but we were running a bit late due to a call I’d had to wrap up first. Marnin, Tomás, and York had already gathered around the dining room table, engaging in lively conversation, while Tiago and Cas were in the kitchen.

“Fucking finally,” Marnin announced when we joined them. “Now we can eat. My stomach’s been growling for the last hour.”

Warm ciabatta bread was set out, accompanied by pesto, tapenade, and several olive oil dips. Fresh olives sat in cute little white dishes, and a collection of Italian deli meats was neatly arranged on a platter.

“Wow, this looks amazing,” I commented.

“That’s just the antipasti,” Tomás said. “Wait till you see the main course.”

Tiago and Cas both carried large oven dishes. “Lasagna with homemade béchamel sauce and pasta with salmon,” Tiago announced with pride. “Cas has been teaching me how to cook.”

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