Page 167 of Wild Card

“Oh, I don’t care what you do. It has nothing to do with me.”

“Lo, they are bringing you into the fold,” Talon clarifies unnecessarily.

“Appreciate the heads up, but it’s her inheritance she’s blowing. While you’re at it, you may want to…”I trail off before recommending they use her funds to replace things at the townhome.

Mom isn’t in our circle of trust regarding the investigation of Rylee. As far as I know, she’s not even aware there was an incident. Max is still working on tying it all together, so we’vebeen quiet, not taking any chances on alerting Rylee we’re on to her.

Up until an hour ago, Mom’s alliance to Rylee was strong.

“While you’re at it, you may want to pay off her other creditors,” I suggest, finishing the earlier sentence.

“We considered that, but it would offset her taking responsibility for her actions.” The strength in Mom’s tone is new.

Maybe she is taking this seriously.

“Back to the situation at hand.” Dad focuses on me. “Will you be okay with our arrangement?”

“Of course. It’s not really my decision. Why should you pay for her mistakes out of your money?”

“It’s not only her mistakes at this point. We are bailing two people out.”

It hits me he’s referring to Joseph, and their decision will free him of much more than the debt.

A giggle bubbles out and before I can stop it, I’m laughing like a loon. “Dad, I-I-I?—”

Everyone is gauging me like I’ve lost it except Rowan, who’s on the verge of laughing herself.

She gets it.

It takes a few seconds to compose myself before I can explain. “Dad, I don’t give a shit about Joseph Wynn. Bailing him out will make you free of him. I’ve been rid of him for a long time. And honestly, thinking about it, this is gloriously ironic. He humiliated me and I held on to it for way too long, living with shame and blame.”

“Honey.” Dad’s voice is laced with compassion.

“Now all I have is gratitude because I met Talon. He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Talon may be a caveman in modern times, who is way too overprotective and bossy, but he’s everything I didn’t know I needed. You, Chase, Bex, Lucas,Wyatt, Grandma, and Grandpa, whole new group of friends, the man of my dreams—I have an amazing life.”

Talon’s hold tightens, his chest rumbling.

Mom sniffs, the tears returning. At first, I think she’s hurt that I didn’t mention her in my little speech of gratitude.

“This is all a Mom ever wants is for her family to be happy and healthy. Two of my children have found that life-long love.”

Shock zings through my system. Obviously, Rylee hasn’t found life-long love, considering her fiancé broke their engagement. Which means…”You know about…”

I can’t bring myself to say ‘Chase and Bex’. The sound of their sexcapade still rings in my ears.

“Your brother and Rebecca?” she finishes for me, grinning through her tears.

I notice no one seems surprised by her revelation. “Does everyone know?”

Rowan sips her wine greedily, Ford drops his chin to hide his smirk, and Dad takes an avid interest in his nails.

“You did!”

“Baby, everyone knew but you,” Talon utters.

“How did everyone know my brother is with my best friend?”

“How did you not know?” Ford teases.

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