Page 141 of Between Regrets and Promises

Today I finally get to pick up Sophie from the airport, and I’m so damn excited to have her in my arms again. She texted and called every day, letting me know what she’s been doing and how she talked with a professional counselor there from her father’s church. I’m happy she spoke to someone and that she plans to continue when she’s back home. I wish I would’ve suggested it after Weston so she wouldn’t have the weight of it all burdening her. Knowing Sophie, though, she does things on her own terms and can’t always be persuaded.

The moment I see Sophie on the escalators coming down to the baggage claim, I light up like a kid on Christmas morning. She looks ten times better than when she left, and she even smiles when she spots me.

Rushing toward her, I don’t stop until I scoop her up in my arms. “Oh my God, I missed you so much,” I say into her hair.

“I missed you too.”

I pull back slightly, cup her face, and capture her lips. She kisses me back but then breaks away a moment later. It’s then I remember we aren’t alone and people are walking all around us. Leaning my forehead against hers, I breathe out a sigh of relief. “So damn happy you’re back.”

“Me too,” she says, swallowing tightly.

I grab her hand and lead her to the carousel to grab her bag. Once we’re in the car, I reach for her hand and realize she’s quieter than usual.

“Everything okay, babe?” I ask as I pull onto the highway.

She nods. “Yeah, just tired.”

I bring her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles. “We’ll be home soon, sweetheart.”.

The moment I pull into the driveway, I know shit’s about to hit the fan. Serena’s car is here.

And so is my father’s.

Motherfucker.

Of all days for them both to come over, they chose today.

“Why are they here?” she asks as I grab her suitcase from the back.

“That’s a goddamn good question,” I grit between my teeth. “I’m sorry, Soph. I know having people over is probably the last thing you wanted when you got home.”

She swings her backpack on and shrugs. “It’s okay. Not your fault.”

I lead her into the house, open the door, and when we walk into the living room, I notice my dad and Serena sitting on the couch. When they see me, they both stand. Liam’s in the recliner, looking uncomfortable as hell. I glare at him, silently thanking him for the non-heads-up.

Shrugging, he smirks and brings his attention back to the TV.

“Hey, what’re you two doing here?” I ask, looking at my father. I don’t mind Serena being here, who’s come over a couple of nights this week to hang out, but my dad isn’t one forpopping in.

Looking at Sophie, I notice she’s uncomfortable and offer to carry her stuff to her room for her.

“No, it’s fine. I can do it.” She takes her bag and walks to her room off the living room.

“It’s about Dalton,” Serena begins as soon as Sophie’s through her bedroom door.

I brush a hand over my jaw, inhaling a deep breath. “What about him?” I look back and forth between them, noticing the tension.

Before Serena can respond, my father shoves his hands in his slacks pockets, and blurts, “He’s dead.”

Blinking, I’m too stunned to speak, and before I can open my mouth, Sophie gasps from behind me. “What?” The three of us turn toward her, and I notice the color has drained from her face.

“Soph…” I don’t know what to say, so I stop myself. I hold out a hand, but she doesn’t take it as she walks closer. We direct our attention back to my dad and Serena.

“Are you sure?” she asks softly.

My father and Serena both nod.

“How? What happened?” I ask.

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