Page 77 of Mended Hearts

“Were you raised in a barn? For pity’s sake, lower your voice.”

I was fairly sure I’d never seen her face that particular shade of mottled lobster—but it suited her.

“Why?” Leighton barked, raising her voice instead, flinging an arm toward the people filing in. “Afraid someone might see you? Judge you? Afraid they’ll realize if you put half this much effort into being a mother, you wouldn’t have to work so hard tolook likeone?”

“If you don’t shut your mouth, I’ll?—”

“What?” Leighton snarled, fists clenched at her sides.

That was my cue. I looped my arm around her waist and hauled her back to me.

“Finish the sentence. I fucking dare you.”

Huffing dramatically, Carly straightened her tacky dress. “Well.I never—and in civilized society—this is what you’ve lowered our family to, Oliver? This is pathetic.” She waved a hand at Leighton. “I don’t have time for this.”

“Of course you don’t,” Leighton spat as I pulled her back. Carly turned to leave, but Leigh wasn’t finished. “I’ve met single-celled organisms with more integrity. We’d all be better off if your mother knew how to swallow.”

Greyson chuckled, a genuine smile directed at the woman clinging to my arm like she was going to rip it off her waist. “That’ll do, Leigh. That’ll do.”

Leighton laughed, watching Carly’s rapid retreat before she finally relaxed into my chest, her hand fluttering over her sternum. “I thought you were exaggerating.”

“I never exaggerate when dealing with the devil,” Greyson muttered.

“Oooh, how is she breathing?”

“Unfortunate societal expectations,” he drawled.

“She’s not worth the prison time,” I promised.

“If I knew I could get away with it, I’d put her six feet under. How dare she plant that kind of insecurity in Tillie? That little girl is so fucking beautiful, andsmart, andkind, and generous. And even if she did have a belly, who gives a flying fuck. What a cunt.”

“Knew I liked you,” Grey muttered as I turned Leighton in my arms.

“You okay?”

“If by ‘okay’ you mean ‘trying to plan a homicide,’ then yeah. I’m okay.”

I laughed, pressing my lips to her forehead—and when she sucked down a breath, it was like she stole it straight from my lungs. “That was quite possibly the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.”

“You’re full of shit.”

“No way. I like when you bring out your claws.”

“Why do you let her anywhere near them?”

“Court order. Holidays and visitation. Grey and I filed for a revision and a restraining order after Thanksgiving. If you’re willing to write a letter to the judge, it might help to add this incident to the record.”

“How could she possibly say something like that to her own daughter?”

“Jealousy?” I offered. But even I wasn’t sure.

I cradled her face. She closed her eyes, hands landing on my wrists—and when I glanced at Greyson, he gave us a beat of privacy.

“Told you my money was on you,” I murmured.

She huffed a laugh.

“Leigh!” Alice’s voice rang from the stairwell. We both turned to see her and Grey with Beau, who was still blissfully unaware. God, I loved her for keeping him oblivious.

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