Page 68 of Dirty Secret Love

I quickly step forward, blocking it with my foot. “Well, you might want to hear me out, because I have something to offer, and it includes the Evergreen home and a new car since I heard your old one got repossessed yesterday,” I state matter-of-factly.

“It’s at the car shop,” she says defensively.

“Let’s not pretend,” I state flatly, and brush past her into the house. My father is on the couch holding a newspaper, but I suspect he’s just pretending to read to avoid engaging with my mother’s temper. “Hello, Dad.”

“Sutton,” he says with a slight nod in my direction.

Mom looks at my hands. “You still have that ring?”

“River and I are officially engaged,” I announce, staring at my ring and unable to stop grinning. “The thing is, we love each other, and it seems logical to listen to what our hearts say and spend the rest of our lives together. And having lots of sex too.” Okay, I sound petty, but for some reason, I want to see her squirm.

“What do you want?” she asks sharply, crossing her arms.

“I love you because you’re my mother, but I really don’t want you back in Heartwood Lake,” I explain plainly, dangling the keys again. “The options are for me to leave or to get your house back, and I chose the latter.”

“Why don’t you want me here?” she demands.

“Because you’re too fucking demanding,” Dad says bluntly. “It’s too hard to keep you happy. I told you a few days ago that you need to calm down or you’re going to lose all your children.”

I glance at him appreciatively. “What he said.” I hold up the keys directly in front of her face before setting them down on the coffee table with a definitive clink. Then, I pull out the first monthly check and wave it for emphasis.

“What is this?” she questions, eyebrows drawing together in confusion.

“River decided to buy me your house. You can live there, as long as you stay away—or if you choose to be in my life, you have to change.”

She gasps, clearly surprised and perplexed. “But I do everything because?—”

“You’re unhappy,” I cut her off. “You can’t find your own happiness, so you criticize everyone else.”

“You’re wrong,” she argues defensively.

“Listen, I’m not here to debate your personality or the way you treat me. The moving truck should be here in twenty minutes, and you’ll be escorted away as soon as everything is packed,” I state. “I really hope we can mend our relationship.”

Dad stands up. “You don’t have to bail us out, sweetheart. I should’ve been more careful with our expenses and stopped your mother from wanting to live like a princess without thinking about our retirement.”

“That’s on you,” I reply pointedly. “This is for my benefit. I really can’t handle having you here and I don’t want to leave my family—or my fiancé.”

He nods, as if understanding.

“But honestly, I hope our relationship can change for the better. If you need a therapist, let me know. We have access to a good list, and it’ll be paid by me.”

They both nod and I leave. When I shut the door, River is there, his face etched with concern and curiosity, probably hoping that I decided to give them the keys to the house and well… stay with him.

“So?” he asks eagerly, eyes searching mine.

“So?” I repeat coyly.

“Are they leaving?”

“Well, of course and obviously, I decided to stay,” I say, jumping into his open arms. “I would miss you too much.”

He twirls me around joyfully then pulls me into a passionate kiss.

“You just made me the happiest man in the world,” he says, beaming.

“You’re easy to please, Mr. Kershaw,” I tease him.

“All I need is you in my life, my love,” he professes.

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