Page 166 of The Secrets She Keeps

And closer.

He could almost reach the doors.

“Where you going, Tim?” Heather asked softly, but she never looked at him.

“I am not going anywhere. I am not leaving without my child. I am a parent, and that matters.” But he had another child out there, and she needed him now. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do to get back to her.

Heather snorted at that. “I admire the sentiment personally. Considering. Bit late for that from you, though, don’t you think? But I’ll tell the girls Daddy sayshi.”

She smirked at him.

For some reason, her words and expression made him want to smile. Angela used to do that. When she’d get angry at him, Angela would grow devil horns and smirk at him.Just like that. Turn sarcastic and fiery and just flat out beautiful. It usually had ended with him pulling her into his arms and loving her. Until she loved him again.

He looked at her little sister now. He saw it, then. Saw Angela right there, in her sister’s beautiful face. For a moment, he imagined…

Timothy pulled himself back to the present.

He would never stop hurting for Angela.

So many parts of Angela were still out there. In Heather—in his Angela’s daughters.

Including Leena. His baby girl. He had to get to her. His Angelina Anne-Marie. “You are as fiery as your sister. Just as beautiful, no denying that. I am sorry. For the way we hurt you before. For not doing anything to stop Trey or his friends. I am so sorry. More than words can ever say.”

“Then prove it. Hit your knees, put your hands on your head, and face the consequences of your actions.”

Timothy did as she ordered. Hit his knees. And waited.

128

His training toldhim to talk Grundenman down. While waiting for one of his teammates to move into position to take the shot.

Gunnar glanced at Miguel. His friend nodded slightly.

Miguel’s hand was steady on the weapon he held.

Miguel was ready to do what needed to be done.

Gunnar checked Heather.

She was just as calm, just as steady—as she looked at the man who had once been a part of her life, her family. That woman loved her family more than anything—this had to hurt her. Deep down.

Hell, maybe not all that deep down. This was a betrayal. In its simplest form.

“Is this really what you want?” Gunnar asked quietly. “Your father to see you shot, dying at his feet? He loves you, is this what you want for him?”

“Dad knows I’m a screw up. He’s known for years.” Grundenman acted so damned cocky, but Gunnar saw the fear.

The guy was a cornered animal right now. And he knew it.

They all knew it.

129

Gunnar was fading fast.The only thing holding that beautiful man up right now was love. Determination to protect his woman and child. Heather hadn’t missed that.

Her eyes met Miguel’s beautiful lighter brown ones. He knew it too. Miguel nodded. Quietly held up one hand in an O position. He was ready.

He was going to take the shot. He was a damned good marksman. One of the best she’d ever seen. He wouldn’t miss.

---