Page 154 of Finding Redemption

Riley plods down the stairs. “Good morning, Reese.” He nods at me with a smile. I’m stunned.

“How?” They turn to me, brows raised. “How can you be so civil to me?”

“Walker loves you.” Riley shrugs. “We love you.”

“You’re family,” Ava replies, wrapping her arm around Riley’s waist.

He inclines his head toward Ava. “That, too.” He turns, kissing her. “I’ll call you later. Love you.”

“I love you.” She holds him a little longer before releasing him.

He stops at my side, taking my hand. “Trust his love for you and your love for him.” He squeezes it and roams away.

I’m already crying by the time I turn back to Ava. I tremble. The air rushes from my lungs. “Why?”

“I should ask you the same thing, but I think I know why you did what you did. As for us, this family fights hard but by God, we love so much harder. We had to fight for this, Reese. It wasn’t given to any of us. We’ve made mistakes, had trials and the mountains we’ve climbed made us who we are as a family.” She leans against the counter, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“I can’t comprehend why he would come to me yesterday. After the hurt I’ve caused.”

She shrugs. “For the same reason you went yesterday. A promise.”

I sit on the stool across from her. “I’m not following.”

“He promised you he’d take care of you, that he would love you.” I nod. “You promised your dad you’d represent your stepbrother. A promise is just that, Reese.”

“I’m not even sure why I did it.” I dry my face. “He never acknowledged me my entire life and the minute he asked me to do something, I did it.”

“I didn’t know my parents. I was young when they died.” She comes around the island to sit beside me. “I spent years trying to find love and acceptance in all of the wrong places.”

I snort. “Maybe we are sisters after all.”

“Reese, it’s okay if you want your dad’s love and approval. We all understand that, even Walker.” She runs her hand up and down my back.

“There are things Walker shared with me and I’m not sure he’ll be as understanding. Ava, I didn’t help him. I was there to sit in for my dad. That’s it. I would never help that monster.” The sharp pang in my stomach makes me nauseous.

“You really need to talk to Walker.” I narrow my eyes. “He told us you encouraged him to talk about things. He said you helped him with Sallie’s death.”

My mouth hangs. “He told you about it?”

“Talk to him. We had a horrible time getting him to leave you last night. His heart hurt so badly for you.” She knocks a tear away.

I gasp. “I knew in my heart, Walker was there with me.” I jump from my seat. “I’ve got to fix this.”

She stands, her smile growing wider. “You do.”

I hug her before making a mad dash to the door, sending a silent prayer that he’ll have me.

35

Idial his number at the stop light. It rings and goes to voicemail. I hit dial again. It rings until I think it’s gonna go to mail again.

“What?” Alden growls.

“Fuck you,” I spit. “I need your help.”

“Fuck you,” he yells. “With what? I’m not sure I like your life plans. They’re not much fun.”

“You’ll like this one.” I nibble the corner of my mouth waiting for his answer.