Page 125 of Finding Redemption

“No, don’t. I hate myself. I should’ve done something. Anything. Why do people keep that kind of secret?” I fist my hair, her pictures flashing in front me. Beaten and battered beyond recognition.

“You were a kid. You loved your sister, so you did as she asked you to.” She takes a step toward me, and I hold up my hand, stopping her in her tracks. “Walker, you need to tell your parents. It’s not fair for you to hold all this responsibility, baby. You did nothing wrong. You were the best brother you knew how to be.”

“I did nothing. I let him kill her.” I drop my head in disgust. “I swore from that moment on to do everything in my power to protect the people closest to me.”

“I see. Hardy had a record.” Her face lights up as she puts it all together. I stare at her, wondering why in the hell she was still here.

“I thought I was doing the right thing at the time. Suddenly, I became the monster.” I shrug, running my hands through my hair. “I’ve hated myself for so long. I had become the thing I hated most.”

“You’re nothing like him, Walker. You wouldn’t hurt Thayer for anything.” She takes my hands in hers. “I know you would never hurt me.”

“I manipulated every aspect of our dating. I steered her decisions and lied to her.” I search her eyes, hoping she believes me. “I promise I’ll never hurt you like that, Reese. I swear, baby.”

She takes my face in her hands, studying it. “You listen to me, Walker Ian. You’re a damn good man. You’ve made mistakes, but you’ve made damn sure you paid your fucking penance. I’m your lifeline. Hold on to me and I won’t let you go.”

I fall to my knees under the weight of my demons. She’s by my side before I can look for her. “I would leave you before I ever hurt you, Reese.”

“I know.” She leans in. “I love you.” She draws me into her arms, holding me tightly, keeping me together. The air in my lungs dissipates, leaving me fighting for the most common human need. Just as I think I won’t come out of this; her voice drags me from the mire. “I’m here. Let go.”

More than a decade of hate and self-loathing pour from my soul, emptying from me and clearing my thoughts. Contempt and revulsion leave me on her command. Reese helps to heal my heart as I lay in her embrace. Finding solace, I know love.

28

“Idon’t think we have plans. Unless hunkering down and staying in for an extended weekend is what you call plans.” My face hurts from all the smiling as I think of what we’ll be doing. No panties required.

“Valentine’s Day and this is Walker’s big plans for y’all? I’m surprised you haven’t moved in together by now,” Alden says from the kitchen.

A smile lights my face at the thought. “We haven’t been together that long, dude.” I scrunch my face up. “These things take time.”

“You’re making plans to marry him. I think you’ve arrived.” He quirks a brow at me and joins me on the couch. I can’t help but laugh. He’s right. I beam with the realization.

“Yeah, I guess we have gotten there but I’m still waiting for him to ask.” I bite my bottom lip, imagining what that conversation would hold.

“To marry him or to move in? Or to be his love bunny?” He waggles his brows and chuckles as my phone buzzes.

I pick it up, staring at the name. “It’s Jeffrey, again.” I hold the phone tightly in my hand, knowing this decision could change everything.

“Talk to him. And if you want to meet him, Walker or I will go and be on stand-by.” He shrugs.

I answer my phone, a knot forming on my stomach. “Hello,” I croak, my mouth dry from anxiety.

“Reese, it’s your da… Jeffrey.” The pang in the pit of my belly won’t go away. “How have you been?”

I swallow repeatedly, hoping to calm my nerves. “I’m okay. How are you?”

“I’m good. Thank you.” His words falter. “I’ve tried calling a few times. I know you’re busy, but I was hoping we could meet and have that coffee.” His voice trembles with each word. My hands do the same.

“I have plans for the weekend. Would next week work?” I chew my nail, hoping he won’t be able to.

“Yes, of course.” Fuck, I knew it. “You tell me the day and time.”

I grind teeth, trying to speak past the nausea. “Thursday, around five?” I pause, trying to think of a place to meet. “How about Boardwalk House?”

“I know the place. I’ll be there.” I hold my stomach, the pain close to unbearable. “Thank you, Reese.”

“Yeah, okay.” I hesitate. “You might want to wear a certain color or something, so I can recognize you.” Just being my father won’t help me recognize you after years of desertion.

“I’ll know you, but I’ll wear blue. See you then.” He ends the call and I still feel like death. The worst feeling ever has washed over me.