by Heather Long
"Your dad is here," I murmured to him. I hadn't missed the uniform. Even in all the emotional noise generated by the arrival of Maddy, I'd seen Jake's dad and Klara with his mom. She had to have known they were coming and she made it a surprise for Jake, which was awesome.
He deserved all of that and more.
"I know," he said. "Yours too. Apparently, all the dads showed up today." He cut a glance over my head as Coop handed me a cap. I had no idea if it was mine or not. We collected six of them and then Rachel hooked her free arm through mine.
"You good with this?" she asked as we walked toward the exit. We'd be among some of the last out and to be honest, I didn't care. I wanted the time to cool down before I laid eyes on Maddy.
"We graduated," I told her, grinning. "I'm gonna be fantastic. Besides, I want you to meet Hank. And I saw your aunts were here."
Rachel laughed. "They're all here. Even my mom. She's dying to see you again. Says she likes me having a normal friend."
I snorted. Normal was not a word I would usually apply to myself, but fine. Archie and Ian took point with Coop strolling behind us. It wasn't lost on me that the guys were constantly forming up like a barricade. Some distant part of me resisted the notion that I needed bodyguards, but the rest of me adored them for it.
Ian wasn't the only one who wanted to take care of me. But right now, I had Jake while Ian had Archie. Coop would probably move between us as needed. Eddie and Muriel being here was not ideal. Jake's dad, though? That was a huge surprise. The emotional distance between them was this huge divide and while he'd been attempting to bridge it the last few months, it didn't mean it was all that easy.
I liked what I'd managed to learn about him while we'd video-chatted the couple of times I'd joined him. When I squeezed his hand, he smiled down at me. "I'm good, Baby Girl."
Like Jake's dad, my grandparents being there was also a huge surprise. They'd sent me a card the week before and addressed it to Miss Frankie Curtis—at least it wasn't to Francesca. They'd done that the first couple of times, but Patience really did seem to be trying. The card had included a check with a ridiculous number of zeroes on it.
She'd wanted to buy me a car for graduation, but they'd seen the photos I'd sent them of the car the guys had surprised me with on my birthday. So the card had told me to make one dream come true. The whimsy of that had made me smile. I hadn't decided what to do with the money yet.
The heat slapped at my face as we stepped outside. There was a coolish breeze that made the shade tolerable, but I accepted my sunglasses from Coop. I didn't even know when he'd snagged them. He also had my diploma holder along with Jake's and Rachel's, apparently. He winked at me when I threw him a grin over my shoulder. Rachel had hidden a purse under her robe cause she was clever, but Jake had my wallet and I hadn't bothered with keys since I was with the guys.
They all had keys to the apartment.
I tucked my glasses on, then steeled myself with a breath. We'd all planned to do photos after, talk to our families, and maybe head out for lunch together. There was plenty of stuff we could do. I wanted to introduce Hank to everyone. He and Carly seemed to hit it off all right when she'd insisted he ride with her and Trina. I also wanted to rescue him if he was at all uncomfortable.
However, there was one thing I needed to do before anything else.
We circled the building and even with Archie and Ian ahead of me, I caught sight of the group that made up our families. Well, I spotted Jake's sisters first who were staring at those crowded together with worried expressions.
Jake's hand flexed around mine and he pulled ahead. He had to have spotted them too. When I eased my arm from Rachel's, all she said was, "Do you have this?"
I locked gazes with Maddy. Her eyes were so chilly, even at this distance they cooled off the heat of the day.
"Oh, I have this. Talk to you soon?"
"You know it."
Another hand squeeze and she cut away from us. Her family had gathered away from ours. Probably the smart ones. Coop narrowed the distance between us. Archie cut me a look, but I shook my head. He could deal with his parents. I would deal with mine.
A year ago, the idea of confronting Maddy terrified me. Even when I couldn't admit it to myself. I understood that any showdown with her would include tears, usually hers, and pain, usually mine, as she twisted every conversation around to how I'd done something to her.
Questioning her, or pushing her for answers, was tantamount to declaring war. It was always so much easier to just let it go. Smoothing things over and letting it go had been my modus operandi for years. All that had ever earned me was more pain and neglect. I didn't know why Maddy was the way she was, but her behavior and responses were not my fault. She'd put me—hell, she'd put us in this position.
Her choices had cost her. Who she slept with wasn't my responsibility and whatever happened between her and Edward? Well, they'd made their respective beds. They didn't get to demand the rest of us deal with changing their dirty laundry.
As we closed in on the group, I caught sight of Grandpa Ted standing with my grandparents. He looked almost protective, with his stance putting him firmly between them and Archie's parents. Muriel and Maddy glared pure daggers at each other. Ian's parents stood with Jake’s, while Coop's parents seemed mildly bemused by the drama unfolding.
I didn't spot Hank right away and my heart kind of bottomed out. The last thing I wanted was for Maddy to have chased him off. So, I headed straight for her. No pussyfooting around this particular issue. I didn't know what she hoped to accomplish here, but I wasn't interested in her games.
Not anymore.
You know what? Not ever again.
The breeze pulled at my robes as I marched straight toward Maddy. I could almost feel the anxiety rolling off my grandparents, but I didn't let that distract me. They'd walked away from me because Maddy threatened to kill me. Just what every girl wanted to hear, you know?
Even more, they enabled Maddy's destructive patterns of behavior. Could they have fixed it when she was younger? I had no idea. It might be naïve to even consider that had been an option. All I knew was I didn't have to suffer her anymore.
Someone was right behind me, but then I knew my guys. They weren't letting me wade into any fight alone. It also didn't surprise me when I caught dark hair from the corner of my eye. Archie and I had each other's backs when it came to our parents. He'd had to fight those first battles for me.
Fuck, that stupid country club dinner.
"Maddy," I said, not bothering to disguise the hostility in my voice even if I kept it cool. "I don't recall inviting you to crash this event."
The woman had the temerity to sniff once. "Frankie, I understand that you're angry with me. But could you really expect me to miss my only daughter's graduation?"
I snorted. Legit snorted, and didn't even attempt to disguise my disgust. "Your only daughter. That's convenient. I've been more of a doll. One you take down off the shelf to parade around when you want people to applaud the poor put upon professional raising her child alone. Then dismissed to take care of myself when you didn't have the time or wherewithal to put up with me." The words just flowed out. "I may be your 'daughter' and I use that term loosely, but you've never been a 'mom.'"
Her expression transformed.
"Maddy," Eddie said suddenly appearing next to her. "Maybe we make an appointment with the kids another time."
"Don't you dare," she snapped, yanking her arm out of his hand. "You already let her poison our relationship because she wasn't yours. Don't pretend that we're anything at the moment. If we were you wouldn't have had your dick down another of your secretary's throats."
He let out a pained sigh and next to me, I swore Archie chuckled. It was a quick, blink and you'll miss it sound, but I had bite the inside of my lip.
"She's not my daughter," Eddie said drily. "Despite your attempts to make it otherwise." He met my gaze briefly. "But she's a clever, intelligent girl and she made more
than a few solid points about my parenting. I wouldn't want me for a father either."
Yeah, okay. Whatever. I cut a look back at Maddy. "Well, sounds like you and Eddie are on round one hundred and whatever of this crazy fucking merry-go-round you like to ride. Do us all a favor, take it somewhere else. Today is about us, not you."
Muriel laughed. I swore to God, she laughed. It began like brittle glass breaking, but it turned into something a lot warmer and filled with far more humor.
"You're absolutely right—" Eddie began, but he couldn't finish before Mad Maddy erupted.
"You ungrateful little bitch," she spit out, rage heating her eyes. There she was. This was who I'd been waiting for...
"Watch your mouth," Hank said abruptly, his back filling my vision as he cut between me and Maddy. "I was going to take the high road about your choices and behavior. I wasn't going to call out your lies about her health or how you decided to involve a child in your delusions, but you're not talking to or about my daughter that way now or ever again. I don't know what can of crazy you popped open to drink this morning, but that shit stops right now."
I stared at Hank's back, rooted to the spot. Even Eddie looked mute at the words Hank delivered in a steely, almost cutting tone. My heart fisted in my chest, not only at his swift defense, but the immediate sense of safety I felt rolling off him.
I wasn't afraid of Maddy. Not anymore. I refused to let her terrorize me. Not when I had a chance at a much better life. But having him step into the gap and shield me…
There weren't words for it.
"How dare you talk to me like that?" Maddy floundered, but the fury in her voice was unmistakable. "You were a nobody. I slept with you out of pity."
Voices murmured behind me. People shifting. Hopefully moving the kids away from this ugly scene.
"Really? Interesting. I slept with you because I was drunk. I never could figure out how you maneuvered yourself into my apartment or my bed." Hank gave a shrug. "But it was a one-night stand and you said nothing, and it was better to leave it alone."
"Then why the hell do you care now?"
"Because the moment you became pregnant, that one-night stand became my daughter, and you stole her from me. You stole her, and you robbed her of me."
"Oh, like she needs you..." Maddy scoffed. "This is ridiculous. Eddie..."
"No," he said firmly, taking a step back and putting his hands in his pockets. "The professor isn't wrong—you made these choices and every single one hurt her. Hurt me. Hurt him. Hurt our families. I'm hardly innocent, but I know when it's finally enough. This is it."
Then, as if the whole world hadn't shifted and pigs sprouted wings as it snowed in hell, Eddie looked at Hank.
"I'm sorry," he murmured. "She's an amazing kid." Then his gaze went past me. "Just like mine. At least I know you won't fuck it up like we did."
The hand on my lower back kept me steady. I hadn't even realized I'd swayed. Those were words Archie deserved to hear, but it seemed so strange they were coming right now. This was not the moment.
Maddy seemed too stunned to speak. Her eyes actually filled with tears. "Eddie..."
"Stop it," he said. "You should go. You're making a scene, and this is their day." With that, he glanced at us again. "If you have a moment, I'd like to speak to both of you when you've finished visiting with your families."
Then he stepped away.
The look on Maddy's face was equal parts stunned and furious. She glanced at Hank, but he hadn't moved. "You heard the man," he said coolly. "Keep walking. Frankie doesn't want you here and I'm pretty sure I speak for every other parent here, you aren't invited to stick around."
"On that," Carly said, suddenly stepping up next to me and just behind Hank's shoulder. "I couldn't agree more. Go away, Maddy."
"Agreed," Sara said, stepping up on my other as Archie wrapped an arm around my middle and flattened his front to my back. "This is extremely inappropriate. You should go and take some time for yourself."
"Maybe go and seek out some help," Alicia suggested, but they were forming a barrier between me and Maddy. Hell, they were forming a barrier for Hank too. Ian's dad was there, Jake's, and even Coop's. The guys were fanning out next to us. Thankfully the sisters were away from the tempestuous storm breaking.
The hum of vehicles and dozens of other conversations filtered through the abrupt quiet.
"Or you could just go straight to Hell," Muriel suggested into the silence. "If you really need advice."
"Muriel," Eddie sighed, but she just scoffed at him.
"Madeleine," Patience said. "Please."
"Why are you even here?" Maddy demanded as she snarled at her mother.
"Leave her alone," I said, pushing forward. Not that I got far with Archie and Hank both acting to shield me from both sides. "I invited her and my grandfather. I'm surprised they made it, but they are welcome."
Shock traveled over her face and for a few seconds, she ripped her gaze from them to me and I read every ounce of the hatred shimmering in those eyes. Yeah, that expression would have had me tucking tail before and keeping my head low, but I refused to do that.
Not now.
Not ever again.
"Hank," I said, deliberately turning away from her. "Would you like to meet my grandparents? And Grandpa Ted? Maybe even Jeremy?"
Oh. I hoped he was still here.
Hank glanced down at me and then up again toward Maddy and he twisted. Archie loosened his grip on me. Jake had his gaze pinned on Maddy behind me, so did Archie. Ian swept a look over me before he started watching her too. Coop winked and made a face like, holy crap, could I believe this craziness?
Why yes, yes I could.
My life had definitely gotten crazy this last year. I glanced from Coop to Hank's face then to my grandparents. Patience looked pale, but my grandfather glared at Maddy. He hadn't said a word to her. Ted had also maintained his defensive posture.
Crazy, yes.
But I wouldn't trade my family for anything, not when Hank offered me his arm and I tucked mine through his and let him guide me through the guys as they closed ranks behind us. Maddy said my name, but I didn't respond.
"You know what I'd really like?" Hank asked as we continued toward my grandparents.
"A pony?" I suggested before crossing my eyes and making a face. Because if we were going to be in the theatre of the absurd, we might as well really go for it, right?
He laughed. "Maybe later. No, I wanted to get a photo with you if that would be all right?"
Oh hell, I was about to cry all over again. I took the time during introducing Hank to Ted, then to Maddy's parents to try and compose myself. Like Hank, they wanted a photo with me too. Grandpa Ted pulled an envelope out of his jacket pocket, as did my grandfather. They both offered them to me after photos. They did the same with Archie.
Then to my enormous surprise and delight, they gave envelopes to all the guys. There were photos. Lots and lots of pictures. The guys and their families. All of us. Me and my dad, man that was so weird to say. Archie and I even managed to get Jeremy to pose with us. Marsha and Lyssa hadn't lingered after all the family drama, but they did give us hugs and wish us well.
After pictures with my grandparents, and when the heat seemed to get to them, Jeremy went to fetch the car. Archie and I promised them we'd come for breakfast the next day. They were staying at the club rather than Archie's.
Somewhere during all the craziness, Maddy left. But Eddie lingered, as did Muriel. Jake pulled me over to talk to his dad and Klara. He said he was gonna go grab dinner with his family and when I offered to go with them, he gave me a kiss and murmured, "Next time, Baby Girl. Go spend time with your dad, yeah?"
My dad.
Wow.
Yeah.
"See you in a few hours?"
"Definitely," he promised. I got hugs from all the girls and then we had to assure his dad and Klara that we would join them for dinner another night. Alicia gave me a fierce hug, and when I aske
d her if she was okay with all of this, she smiled at me.
"I'm just fine, sweetheart. Go enjoy time with your dad. I like him," she said with a nod.
"Me too," I admitted. I liked him a lot.
Even more, he seemed to like me.
Not just how I made him look.
As Jake left with his parents and siblings, I glanced over to the shady area where the guys waited, with the rest of our—wow it really was kind of our—rapidly expanding family.
We'd graduated. We'd survived senior year. Holy hell, we'd done it.
Ian held out a hand to me, and I hurried back over to join them. Today was an awesome day and I didn't give Maddy another thought.
She'd taken up enough of my time.
Chapter Five
A Question About Priorities
Archie
We took the time for photos. Despite the lingering sense of tension left behind after Maddy's not so gracious exit, the early afternoon turned out to be relatively pleasant. We hadn't even left the event center grounds yet, though Jake and his family had left to go get a meal together. I half expected Frankie to go with, but she stuck it out with her dad instead.
Made sense.
Currently, she and Hank were chatting with Bubba and his parents. Grandpa had taken the Graysons back to the club with him. Jeremy had given me a nod and then cast a look at my parents. Yeah, I still needed to talk to them. Shockingly enough, they'd remained throughout the chaos of photos being taken. Neither had stepped up to be in any photos save one that Grandpa requested, and I'd acquiesced. It was one of the three of us—me, Grandpa, and Edward. Muriel had not been invited, and she hadn't tried to intrude.
Most of us had shed our robes, and Coop loped over from where he'd walked his mom and sister to their car. "Hey, you think we're going to try and head out to grab food together somewhere?"
"Maybe." I shrugged. "But I think Frankie and Hank are going to be attached at the hip for a while. So, if your parents and sister want to grab lunch with you, go. I've got our girl."