BROKEN COURAGE (Broken Redemption Book 3)

Chapter 18

Emilia

Not long after the truth about Creed and the FBI was revealed, there was a moment when I thought my days of pretending to be okay were behind me. I really believed I'd turned the corner and was honestly looking forward to living in my truth. What I didn't know at the time is that living in your truth requires a certain level of acceptance when it comes to your circumstances and, sadly, I'm having a hard time accepting the mess I've made of my life.

"Okay, who's ready for breakfast?"

"Me!"

They erupt in unison, giggling as they look at each other with so much love it makes my chest ache. These amazing little souls, with so much light and joy in their hearts, don't deserve the burden and pain that comes with abandonment. As their mother, it's my job to protect them and that I've failed them is a regret I'll carry for the rest of my life. It's why as remorseful as I am over last night's argument, I know with certainty I'm doing the right thing. It's my job to advocate for my children, and allowing yet another man who isn't fully invested in a future with us to ingrain himself into their lives is downright cruel, and a recipe for additional heartbreak they don't deserve.

Yet, knowing it had to be done doesn't mean my heart isn't breaking. That's why I intend to find him as soon as I finish feeding the girls. We need to talk so I can make it clear I'm willing to give him the time he needs, but only if he genuinely believes he can get past the baby growing inside of me. After everything he's done for us, including his patience as I worked through my pregnancy the past few weeks, I owe him at least that.

With my fake smile refortified, I take their little hands and help them down the stairs. Nero follows close behind, careful as always, making sure he doesn't knock them off balance. Finding him in my room caught me by surprise, as he typically sticks close to Lucas, following him wherever he goes. I'm guessing in his rush to leave after our fight, Lucas forgot to call for him, but that he didn't return to get him this morning fills me with unease.

"You two go on ahead, sit at the table and color until I get back. Mamma needs to find Uncle Lucas so he can take Nero on his walk."

Making sure they follow my instructions, I stop and watch as they enter the kitchen. At the telltale sounds of the chairs being pulled from the table, I head towards the control room. To my surprise, I find Ben and Uncle David sitting at the monitors during a time of day that usually belongs to Lucas.

"Um... hi." I interrupt their conversation. When Ben sees me, he comes over and leans in for a quick kiss on my cheek.

"Hey there, Emi. Good morning. Are the girls with you?" He asks as he scans the space behind me.

"They're in the kitchen waiting for me. Nero needs a walk. I was hoping to hand him off to his dad." At the mention of Lucas, all I can muster is a weak smile.

"I'll take him." Uncle David stands, and after giving me a quick kiss, he calls for Nero to follow him out of the room.

Alone with Ben, the room sinks into an uncomfortable silence, which heightens my apprehension, especially when I see his hesitation as he closes the door to guarantee our privacy. "Emi, Lucas asked he temporarily be assigned to one of our other clients." At the news, my stomach sinks. To my dismay, a fresh round of tears burns behind my eyes. "He said the two of you had an argument. He's under the impression you don't want him around right now. Whether that's true or just his misguided interpretation, we both agree he's not in the best headspace to do his job right."

"His job?" Not wanting him to know how badly this news is hurting me, I choose to lean into my anger.

"To keep you safe. It's what's most important right now."