Seven Years, A Secret Family

son

nforgiving light. Every muscle in my body ached, but it wasn' t just fatigue. It was the residue of a night spent wrestling with a betraya

And Colt, my perfect Colt, had shattered me beyond repair. My love was not meant to be a con

faced down death, and come out fighting. I would

rdell," I said, my voice h

he sofa opposite me, stirred. Her eyes bli

d, but my will was stronger. "Yes. I need to

to leave Fort Bragg? E

o clear my head. Tell Colt I' m visiting my father

hing' s up. You never just 'visit' your fath

now, is he?" I retorted, a bitter laugh escapi

right. "Okay. I' ll cal

aw him as the son he never had. Breaking this news to him would be another brutal blow, but this time, it would be

y about a sudden urge for a girls' trip to Seattle. Ardell, ever

lly, my mind a whirlwind of pain and burgeoning determination. I glanced in the mirror. My eyes were swoll

d into the kitchen. "Auntie Em, are you feeling better?" he asked, his voice

ever have. The raw wound of my infertility, a consequence of saving Colt, flar

k you." I forced a smile. His small arms around my neck were

t, the morning air felt heavy, damp wit

en I s

our. He looked tired, lines etched around his eyes, but his stance was resolute, determined. My h

sion was a storm of worry and impatience. He rushed tow

." He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a tight embra

ng screamed in protest. The warmth of his body, the familiar pressure o

rrowed. "You' re freezing.

bad night. The flu, I think. Bernice insisted I needed a change of pace. I called Dad; he

. I was worried. I cut my training short. I heard your voice last night, it sounded off. Couldn't

y. "You came back for me?" T

Emerson. You' re everything to me." He paused, looking genuinely conflicted. "I

t constricted.

I said, pulling away from

nodded slowly. "Alright. But promise m

again, the words

forehead. "I love you,

lf. He was about to get into his car when I saw her. Chelsey. Standing a few yards away,

, then gave her a curt nod. "

worst fears. My blood ran cold. He had been with

still. Don't react. Not now. I neede

ty calls. Take care, Em." He gave my hand a

bother to hide it. As he opened the car door for her, I heard her

but I held it in. This wasn't the time, not in pub

the car. As they drove past me, Chelsey glanced my way. Her eyes, fil

l' s mother. And Colt' s... well, you know." She smiled, a predatory gleam in her eyes. "He' s been so busy with yo

lty. I felt a cold surge of adrenaline, sharpening m

anded, my voice shaking wit

s like. We' re not going anywhere. This is our home now." The car sped away,

illion irreparable pieces. This was not a misund