Page 23 of Shuttered Hearts

I don’t know what I had really been expecting, but I guess I hoped she would look a little troubled or worse for wear. Like leaving her kids hadn’t been an easy choice.

“Why this one? You’ve missed the last ten.”

“Does a mother need a reason to want to be here for her child’s birthday?” She moves as if to walk around me.

I step in her path to block her. “When you left without a word and have been gone as long as you have? Yes, you need a reason.”

Through the back door, we hear voices rising in excitement. Caleb must have arrived back with Max and his group.

“Is he having a party?” she asks, trying to move around me again.

“It’s not your concern. You should leave.” I grab her arm, pulling her back toward the front door. Now that Max is here, I don’t want her in this house. I want her gone.

“Now, wait a minute. I can see him if I want.” Her voice rises, and I pull harder. I’d be surprised if she doesn’t end up with a bruise on her arm from how I’m squeezing it. I want to be sorry for it, but I can’t find it in me.

I turn to her so fast we are chest to chest. I lower my voice, making sure there is no question of my feelings. “Not today. If you want to call so we can find a time to talk about it, fine, but you will not ruin this day for him.” I finally get us both outside and onto the front porch.

“Quinn, I’m his mother. You have no right to stop me from seeing him,” she shouts.

“No.” I turn to see Dad leaning on his crutches in the doorway. I’ve never heard him take that tone of voice before. Normally, when Dad is angry, he shouts. Now, his voice is so low and flat, showing no emotion.

I think we’re all stunned silent, because no one talks for a minute. It’s not until I see movement out of the corner of my eye that I move. I turn and catch Declan’s eye. He must see something on my face because he directs the kids to the backyard but makes his way to stand at the bottom of the stairs. “Is everything okay here?”

Hearing Declan’s voice breaks my father out of whatever trance he’s in. “You are not welcome here.” My father moves forward on his crutches, his voice still in that low, flat tone. “You have absolutely no right to see anyone in this house.”

“You have no right keeping me from him.” My mother stands firm, not moving a muscle.

“I have every right.” His voice rises and cracks, taking on more emotion than he had a moment ago.

I see movement in the house behind Dad and catch Caleb and Max coming toward the open front door. I move to block them from coming out, but I’m not fast enough. I know from the look on Max’s face he hears the words that come out of my mother’s mouth next.

“He’s not even your son.”

“What?” Max freezes, but Dad doesn’t even hesitate before his next words are out of his mouth aimed at my mother.

“That boy is my son in every way except blood. I was there the day he was born. I have been there every day since, and I will be there until I take my last breath. There is nothing you can do or say to change that. Now, you will leave this house, or I will call the cops and have you arrested.” Without another glance in my mother’s direction, Dad turns toward the front door and goes to Max.

I don’t wait to see what happens with them. I rush forward to close the front door so my mother can’t see or hear anything else. I give myself a moment before I turn around to face her. Declan has made his way up the stairs. I can tell from his stance he is ready to do whatever is needed.

“You need to leave. You’ve done enough damage to last a lifetime.” I move toward her, grabbing her arm again and dragging her down the stairs. “You’re not welcome here, not anymore.” I stop halfway through the yard, crossing my arms, watching her.

She goes to move toward me, but something over my shoulder causes her to think twice. She leaves me with one more parting shot. “This isn’t over. I know your father is dying, and I will get my son back.”

I don’t respond, and she finally turns to leave.

I’m still standing there, even after she’s gotten in her car and disappeared down the street when I feel Declan’s warmth at my back. I close my eyes, take a deep breath, bring my arms around my waist, and squeeze for a few seconds before blowing it all out and turning slowly toward Declan.

My crossed arms brush his chest as I turn. I’m not even facing him fully before the dam breaks, and tears pour down my face.

“I’ve got you,” Declan says quietly, catching me before I fall. “I’ve got you,” he repeats.

And even though I have only known Declan for twelve days, I believe him.

twelve

DECLAN

While holding Quinn up,I move her back to the cover of the front porch. I’m still getting to know her, but I know she would never want her neighbors to see her break down on her front lawn. I don’t think she really wants me to see here break down either, but she doesn’t fight me as I practically carry her up the stairs. Once we are up on the porch, I bring her into my chest and let her break.

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