Page 118 of Brands

“You were about to be hit by that car. You can shoot me a million times if it still means I get to save you.” I can tell my answer didn’t help.

So I drop the smile, and tug her fingers to my lips. “Did you mean to?”

Her brows furrow. “Of course not! I was trying to stop the driver.”

“That’s my girl.” I’m proud of her for fighting back.

I just hate that she stood there taking aim instead of trying to protect herself.

Reckless. Wild. Like through sheer force of will she was going to win.

I wouldn’t doubt she could.

“I’m quitting my job,” I announce quietly. “I don’t want you there alone.”

Her head shakes. “I’m not. Devon is—”

“He’s a kid,”I grunt.

“—and Dad will be back. I won’t be by myself.” But worry tightens her cheeks.

My gut rolls.

“No, he won’t be.” I grip her fingers, wanting her to see the truth before I have to prove it.

“What? Yea, he just took a trip. He won’t stay gone forever.” Her free hand flips in the air until she sees my face.

“Blue?” Worry rolls her bottom lip between her teeth.

“Hand me my phone.” I gesture towards the pile of my clothes on the far chair.

I got the text I was dreading last night.

Her cheeks pale as she hands it to me.

“He sent me this the other day. Told me not to share it until I got the news. His friend messaged me yesterday saying that it was done.” I feel like I’m going to puke as I roll through the last few days, then highlight the note he sent me before I left for Billings.

“Here.” I flip the screen to her.

Her lips move as she reads it.

I have it memorized. It guts me every time I think about it.

Don’t tell Libby until I’m gone.

My cancer isn’t in remission.

I’m dying, Blue.

I fucked everything up. I love Libby and Devon so much, I didn’t want them to struggle like I did.

But I pushed them both away.

I know how much they missed their mom. She was a damn saint dealing with my bullshit for all those years.

The only good I could do was make sure they hated me enough they won’t be sad that I’m gone.

She loves you, I can see it. And I can tell you love her too.

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