Page 73 of Saving Grace

“Grace?”

I would know that voiceanywhere.

Chapter Nineteen

MACK

The woman, the exact likeness of her daughter, falls apart where she stands. Her husband stands, hand behind his back, face unreadable. Grace goes limp against my chest as she hauls in a lungful of air. My heart is crushed between two boulders.

“Mama,” she sobs.

Grace looks up to me, her face wrecked. Eyes red rimmed. Breathing shattered. Face contorted. I release my hold on her. She flies into her mother’s arms. Both women sink to the ground. Raspy breaths of my own slip past my lips. Happiness never hurt so bad before. Laws wraps an arm around my shoulders. “Excellent work, little bro.”

I can’t respond.

He grips my neck and pulls me in for a side hug. I wasn’t prepared for Grace’s wrecked face when she saw her mom. I’ve never lived through not having mine. Not one day. I suck in a breath and shake my brother’s arm loose. “They all but abandoned her once. But she’s been missing them so much. I couldn’t let her go another month without her mom. We’ll see, Laws.”

“She’ll work through it. She’s strong. Already proven that. And you’re forgetting the most important part.” He slaps my back proudly, despite me putting distance between us. “She has you.”

I huff a strangled laugh. “Not so sure I’m much of an asset.”

“Maybe not before. But now? Buddy, you have come a long,longway.”

“I couldn’t have done it without her.”

“Sure you would have. Grace’s way was quicker, though.”

I slam a fist into his shoulder, and he chuckles before striding over to introduce himself to Grace’s father who stands watching still. He still hasn’t engaged his daughter. Laws offers a hand, and he shakes it. I can’t hear what they’re saying. They glance over at me in unison, and my ears turn to cinders.

Grace’s dad steps around the two women, who are fiercely hugging, now en-route to me. Whispers and sobs exchanging back and forth. I brace myself. Whatever he has to say, his argument better be a fuckin’ stellar one, after leaving Grace to fend for herself. What kind of parent does that? It was Ma who finally made the call to the Westons, with me being in two minds about it. But I trust her judgment, and with my permission, she picked up the phone and worked her mother-knows-best magic.

“Mackinlay?” He squares up with me, and I set my shoulders back.

“Sir.” I offer a hand.

“Brian.” He shakes it. Firm and brief.

“I take it this is your initiative?” He lets his focus wander around the lit-up yard. But the smile on his face doesn’t reach his eyes, and I study his reactions.

I glance to Grace. She’s somewhat recovered and is drying her face with a tissue. The shock of seeing her mom must be wearing off, because she is closing up as the seconds tick past. I force myself to stay rooted to the spot and let her fight her ownbattles. Even though I would be her human shield, any day of the week. I shift my attention back to Mr. Weston. “Yes, sir. You three have a lot to talk about. But not all of it is going to be easy to hear.”

His face slackens and he turns to look at his only daughter. “She?—”

I raise a hand. “Your daughter deserves the explanations. Not me.”

I wave a hand in her direction, and he gives a shallow nod before walking to where his wife and daughter stand. I need to give them space. But I don’t want her to think I abandoned her to them.

“Gracie?” I call out.

She excuses herself and pads to where I stand. Her face is blotchy, her eyes red. “You okay?” she whispers.

I shake my head. “Gorgeous girl, I’m not the one I’m worried about. I’m goin’ to head inside and give you guys some time and space. I’ll be right inside. If you need me, just say, and I’ll be right back here.”

She huffs a small laugh and lays a hand over my heart. “How are you this wonderful to me?”

My throat closes over. How is being loved such a foreign concept to this beautiful woman? She pats my chest lightly and forces a smile before turning back to her parents.

“We can sit at the table. There are some things I need to tell you.”

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