Page 20 of Love in Kentbury

“I wasn’t sure if I should come,” McKay starts, breaking the quiet tension hanging between us. “But I thought it was time. We need to talk this out.”

I nod slowly, my stomach knotting itself. She’s right, as hard as this is. “I’m glad you did,” I say softly. “I’ve missed you, McKay. And I know me ignoring your calls after . . . everything . . . was awful. You needed me when you decided to go against Dad’s wishes. We left you aloneand . . . ” I trail off, shame creeping up my spine.

She shakes her head, brow furrowed. “You didn’t ignore me back then. I remember you yelling at me for messing up Dad’s deal and almost bankrupting your husband. It was because you were desperate to make them happy.” McKay pauses, looking into the swirling cocoa. “You always worked so hard to make sure Tony was happy. It took me a long time to realize that your husband was emotionally abusive. He hid it well under all that slick charm. No one saw who he really was.”

“Not even me,” I whisper, tears pricking sharply. “Not until I lost my babies.”

McKay reaches across the table, grasping my hand gently. Her expression softens. “I’m sorry, Lou. When I learned about the divorce and what Tony did . . . I felt like I failed you.”

I shake my head, looking into her eyes. “No, we were both disconnected from each other’s lives back then. We didn’t fail each other—we just didn’t know how to truly be there for one another.”

Mac gives me a faint smile. “I’ve missed you, Lou. It’s been so hard, feeling like I lost my sister along the way.”

I reach over, grasping her hand. “I’m sorry, McKay. I got so wrapped up in my crumbling marriage, I didn’t see how much you needed me too. I should have been there.”

McKay nods, squeezing my hand. “Let’s move forward now, okay? I don’t want to lose any more time apart.”

“I’d like that. We can start fresh, be there to support each other from here on out.”

We talk for a while longer, tears intermingling with laughter as we begin to heal. By the time McKay mentions Henrik, I feel closer to my sister than I have in a long time.

“Henrik asked about you the other day,” she says casually. “Seemed pretty interested in catching up.”

I try to keep my expression neutral, but I can feel my cheeks growing warm. “Oh, really? Strange, I actually just saw him at Grandma’s bakery.”

McKay smirks. “What, we’re pretending you never had a little crush on him back then?”

I shake my head defensively. “That was forever ago. I was, like, sixteen and?—”

“You were fourteen, but, hey, who’s counting?” McKay laughs lightheartedly.

I chuckle, waving it off. “That was ages ago. I’m older now and really need to stay focused on getting my kids back.”

McKay gives me a sympathetic look, grasping my hand. “We are going to get them, Lou. Bishop wants you to know he’ll help however he can. And of course Paul and Henrik will too.”

“Thank you so much. It’s going to take some time, but hopefully I’ll be able to see them more often. Maybe even have them during vacation time and holidays.”

“Have faith,” McKay urges gently. “If Tony’s abusive, make a case for full custody.”

I nod, hope rising that I will get my children back with all their support. “I can do that, especially if I find out he’s hurting them or his toxicity is affecting their well-being.”

McKay firmly meets my eyes. “We’ll bring those babies to Kentbury.”

Later, as McKay prepares to leave, I pull her into an embrace. “Let’s not drift apart again. I’ve missed my sister.”

McKay returns the hug tightly. “Never again. From here on out, we stick together.”

ChapterFourteen

Henrik: Are you sure we have to have a gala for our charity?

Lou: Yep. It’s the best way to raise the funds we need. I’ve talked to Damian, and he’s willing to donate the ballrooms and food.

Henrik: But that’s just a fraction of what we need.

Lou: True, but it’s a start. I’m planning it for September, during the off-season. Think you can get your hockey buddies to show up?

Henrik:Why bring them in? I thought I was enough for you.

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