Page 112 of Choosing a Forever
I wrap my arms around her tightly, wishing I had more than gestures for her. I can’t even form the right words to tell her how sorry I am. How grateful I am she’shereand I get to hold her.
I’ve never hated a stranger more than I hate him. “I’m so, so sorry, Mack. I hate you went through all of that because I—”
“No, Talmage. This wasn’t your fault. It had nothing to do with you, I promise.”
“But if I hadn’t broken up with you—”
She puts her finger to my lips. “It’s. Not. Your. Fault. There are no guarantees it wouldn't have happened. There are no guarantees we would have stayed together. There’s no changing the past. We can only hope for a better future.”
“I love you so much, Mack. I’m in awe of your strength, and I can’t express how grateful I am to have you here.”
“I love you, too, Tal. Thank you for accepting me and loving me, even if I’m a little broken.”
“You’re not broken, Firefly. You’re one of the strongest people I know.”
We spend the next twenty minutes cuddling, letting the heaviness of the conversation dissipate before we get ready for bed.
When we settle under the covers together, Mack and I are a tangle of limbs. I have other questions for her about whether or not she wants kids and what it would look like, but we can have that conversation at a later time.
Right now, I’m happy to fall asleep with the love of my life in my arms, knowing she’s here with me, and she’s not going anywhere.
Chapter 39
Mackenzie
24 years old…
My entire body freezes, and the police officer’s words fade away as my ears ring.
This has to be a cruel, sick prank by someone who wants to hurt me.
“Hello? Miss Thorpe? Are you there?” The officer snaps me out of my spiral.
“Y-yes.” I clear my throat, but it does nothing to stop the way my voice wobbles. “I can be there tomorrow.”
“Your sisters’ friend’s mom has agreed to keep the girls until you can get here. We don’t usually do that sort of thing, but considering the circumstances…” The officer trails off, leaving me to fill in the blanks.
The blanks being my parents were in a fatal car crash, and if I don’t get to Utah as soon as possible, my sisters will end up in the care of the state. If I don’t claim guardianship of them, they’ll end up in foster care.
“Wh-who do I call when I get there?”
Theofficer rattles off a few numbers I shakily jot down on a scrap of receipt paper I had in my purse. When he hangs up, I let the phone fall limp at my side.
Have they told the twins? I should be there for that, right?
I don’t know what I’m supposed to do other than get to Utah.
KC walks in the door, carrying a case of beer with his friends trailing behind him.
“Kenzie.” I flinch at the nickname I’ve told him I hate. “Woah, why the tears, babe?”
I don’t even know where to begin. I need to call Lizzie. I need her to tell me what to do and have her meet me tomorrow to figure out the funeral and school stuff and guardianship.
I don’t know how to be a guardian. I barely know how to take care of myself.
“Babe. Hello?” KC snaps in front of my face.
“I’m leaving. I need to go home. We’re done.” I sound like an emotionless robot, but I don’t care.
