Page 63 of Forever in the Country

“I need you to look into my parents.” His expression doesn’t change, but he visibly settles into his seat at the kitchen table. “I set up some alerts with the bank—the house—just in case. They’re poking around. News about the shelter is online and fuck, I don’t need this right now.”

“How long has it been going on?”

“I don’t know—a couple weeks maybe? It’s not like we’ve been hiding. I just don’t want to be surprised if they suddenly decide we’re worth something to them.”

“Have you told Marlee?”

I shake my head, and he gives me theyou’re making a mistakesmile that all parents seem to have.

Well, except mine. No, mine were slowly making their way down the East Coast, and every state closer to Tennessee has my hackles rising.

“It’s been brought to my attention in recent years that women hate being left in the dark. And if I can quote my wife, ‘I’ve been makin’ my own damn decisions my whole life. I don’t need you steppin’ in to rescue me.’ I believe that’s a direct quote.” He smirks and so do I because Gwen is a hell of a woman.

“I’m not keepin’ it from her. I just don’t want to worry her for no reason if this all is a misunderstanding.”

“Do you think it’s a misunderstanding?”

Not even a little, but the alternative is so much worse.

“Is it too much to just say I’m tired of all this?” I stare up at the ceiling with my hands clasped behind my head. “I just want to not worry all the damn time.”

“Son, you have a family here that loves you and will help shoulder the burden. You’ve carried more than most people do in a lifetime, and I’m sure I don’t know the half of it.” He takes a deep breath and I drop my hands and look at him. “No one actually likes a martyr—whether you’re tryin’ to be one or not.”

“I just want my sister to be happy.”

“That girl is walkin’ on sunshine, and if you think Waylon wouldn’t lay down his life for her, you’re not paying attention.”

“I know that.” He gives me a raised eyebrow. “I do. Really. But they shouldn’t have to deal with something like this.”Not when they’re tryin’ for a baby.

“I know a few things about internalizing emotions and not letting your loved ones share in the burden. I also know that Isla and I wouldn’t be where we are today if I hadn’t made the change. You’ve recognized your need for help.” He motions between us. “You wouldn’t be here otherwise, but you’re never going to heal that piece of you—the fourteen-year-old boy. He’s done enough, don’t you think?”

I take a steadying breath and look out the window because that kid issotired. Every time he catches a break, something puts him right back at the beginning.

“Let’s start with a phone call, okay? I’ll talk to my guy and we’ll go from there.”

“I need to know if they’re coming here.”

“What are you afraid of? They can’t take her away from you—from here.”

The truth of his words rings loud in the space between us as he waits for my answer.

“They’re not nice people.” He doesn’t say anything so I add, “I know I can’t protect her from everything, but I could protect her fromthem.And I have, but—”

“I get it. I do. Just know that you have an entire town just waiting to come to the rescue.”

I nod and hold out my hand as he stands from the table. He returns the shake but doesn’t let go as he pulls me in for a hug. It’s oddly reassuring, and maybe I’m just tired but I don’t hate it.

Needing to put some space between me and my past, I step out into the evening air and blow out a breath. I should tell Marlee.

I should go to Rhea.

But today was too damn much.

I’m exhausted, and I need to get myself under control before I see either of them. Mind made up, I get into my car and head toward some much-needed quiet.

SUNSHINE: Are you coming over?

I stareat the message as the steam from the bathwater fills the room. Mama just hugged me when I walked in the back door without a word. I didn’t want to end up here, but I couldn’t stop myself from turning down the dirt drive.

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