Page 173 of Remiss
“Maybe,” Bianca mumbled and swept her gaze over Rebel, then looked at Mom again. “Is it…is it true? Uh, never mind.”
Mom looked at Rule, silently asking permission to talk.
“Go ahead, Mom.”
The truth couldn’t be any worse than the rumors.
“Rule loves us as much as we love him,” Mom said fiercely. “What happened almost a month ago was unfortunate. All three of us were in grave danger that night. But we forgive him.” She gave him a stark look, filled with pain and regret. “I hope he can forgive us.Me. I am so sorry, son.”
“You did nothing wrong, Mom,” Rule whispered.
“I ignored you. If I would’ve gotten you help…I was remiss. More than remiss. I was neglectful. I neglectedyou. My carelessness almost cost me you and Rebel.”
“And your own life,” he told her.
“Yes, but we survived. Can you forgive me for all the mistakes I made?”
“Dad had a responsibility too.”
“He did,” Mom agreed.
Rule’s stomach growled. “I love you, Mom. I always have. Thank you for being so loving and strong.”
She blew him a kiss, then smiled at Bianca. “I’ve heard you and Rule meet in the chapel sometimes.”
“Prayer is important to me,” she said.
“Would you like to say grace?” Mom asked.
“Really?”
“Mrs. Caldwell doesn’t say anything she doesn’t mean,” Father Wilkins chirped.
“Remember that when you end up tossed from that cliff,” Mom grumbled.
“It was a misunderstanding, Mrs. Caldwell. I got my days mixed up. If I remembered you wanted to see Rule, I never would’ve gotten permission to take him off-premises.”
“Uh huh,” Mom said, unimpressed.
A giggle escaped Bianca and she clapped a hand over her mouth.
“Is it okay if I went for my own lunch?” Freya asked. She’d been standing silently, her hands resting on Rebel’s wheelchair as she waited to roll her to wherever Mom directed.
“You’re joining us,” Mom said, flicking her wrist toward the table. “You’re my son’s caregiver. That makes you family.”
“I love your blue hair,” Rebel said, so very subdued.
“Thank you.”
“You aren’t telling Mr. Caldwell about my mix-up, are you?” the priest asked.
Mom shrugged, then smiled at Rule. “Let’s eat.”
“Meggie,” Father Wilkins started, waiting until Freya wheeled Rebel next to Rule, and everyone took their seats. “Please don’t. And don’t take away my guardianship. It was a mistake.”
“If it happens again,thatwill be the mistake. For the time being, the guardianship will remain in place since you’re free to look after my son while he’s in LA.”
“Thank you.”
