Page 89 of One Southern Summer

She wanted to scream. Those same lips that had kissed her passionately this afternoon had kept a scandalous secret from her. Was she doomed to betrayal by the men in her life forever? The sins of the fathers visited on the sons and all that?

“Avery, please. Don’t do us that way,” Greer said.

“If you want to be angry at somebody, be angry at me,” Nana said.

“I can be angry at all of you,” Avery fired back. “Cole, you need to leave.”

Cole’s mouth tightened. “All right, if that’s what you think is best.”

“You know what, maybe it’s better if I go.” She spun around, spots peppering her vision. “Addison, time to go home.”

Her heels clicked on the hardwood as she started shoving Hayes’s blanket, toys and sippy cup in her diaper bag lying on the floor beside Mama’s couch.

“Avery, honey, you’re upset.” Mama’s voice was soft as she moved toward her. “Where are you going to go with two little kids?”

“Mama, don’t talk to me. I cannot stay here another second with a house full of people who betrayed me.”

“Avery, don’t go.” Julene’s eyes welled with tears. “We can help you work this out.”

“There’s nothing to work out. Harper, please put Hayes in his car seat. I’ll get Addison and meet you in the driveway.”

Harper nodded then slowly stood. The overhead light highlighted the tears glistening on her cheeks. At least one person that she loved was expressing remorse. Avery grabbed her purse and strode out onto the porch to collect Addison and her dolls.

“C’mon, baby.” A chill raked her spine. “We’re sleeping at a hotel tonight.”

Addison’s eyes grew wide. “Oh, fun. Can I sleep in your bed with you, Mama? I don’t want you to be lonely there all by yourself.”

Avery bit back a sob. “Sure, baby girl. Thank you.”

Chapter Fifteen

That boat ride had gone all wrong.

Cole stood on the screened porch facing the lake, rehearsing the words he should’ve said the last time he’d been here. If he’d been honest then, or at any point in the last several weeks, they wouldn’t be in this mess. Avery sat alone at the end of the dock, her back toward the house.

Three days had passed since Maribelle confessed everything at the supper table. Somehow Julene and Harper had persuaded Avery to check out of the hotel and move back to the house. He’d also heard from Millie Kay who’d heard from her Realtor friend that Avery had already looked at a townhouse in the same neighborhood as Pax and Trey.

He jammed his hands in the pockets of his chinos. Not that her future plans were any of his business. She’d probably shove him into the water as soon as he approached. But he had to talk to her. Ask for forgiveness. Explain. Even though anything he said would probably just sound flimsy and self-serving.

He had to fight for her.

He left the refuge of the porch and strode down the grassy slope. Dark clouds had gathered on the horizon and the wind picked up, lifting her curls from her shoulders. She hugged her legs to her chest. When he moved onto the dock, his footfalls on the wooden slats gave him away. As he moved closer, he saw her swiping at her cheeks with the backs of her hands. Her pain knifed at him.

“Hey,” he said, his voice rough. “Mind if I join you?”

So lame. Of course she’d mind. Shame carved a desolate cave in his abdomen.

She tipped her chin up and stared out across the lake. “Go away.”

Well, that was slightly better than being shoved into the water. Cole rocked back on his heels and stared at the sky because he didn’t know what else to do. “I’m afraid I can’t go until I’ve said what I need to say.”

She hesitated then lifted one shoulder. “Fine.”

He lowered to the dock and sat down, keeping a safe distance from her, and let his legs dangle over the edge. The air carried the pungent scent of rain, although none had fallen yet. The wind blew harder, whispering through the leafy trees nearby. His arms ached to hold her. To pull her close and tell her—show her—how sorry he was. Instead, he tucked his fingers under his legs to keep from touching her.

“I’m waiting.” She gave him the side-eye.

He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. I need to ask your forgiveness. I wish I could go back in time and tell you about my...arrangement with Nana. I—”

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