BROKEN COURAGE (Broken Redemption Book 3)

Chapter 20

Lucas

"I told you I'd bring him to you." Ben walks down the front steps, while Nero races ahead, excited to greet me.

"I know, but I want to get on the road. I could use the long drive, so thanks for not giving me a hard time about canceling the plane ticket."

"Yep. Listen about Emilia, don't leave things like this." With a grimace, he rubs the back of his neck. "Even if what's between you can't be fixed today, she needs to know you're coming back."

"I'm not running." I cross my arms over my chest, hoping the pressure helps loosen the tension coiling in my shoulders. "I have every intention of coming back. I just need a few days to think."

"Then go inside. Do it right. Give Emilia and the girls a proper goodbye and reassure them of that."

Fuck. Leaving them this morning was already hard enough. Instead of torturing myself by going inside and seeing them, I figured it would be best to call them once I hit the road. But with my sister's words still simmering in my subconscious, I realize this is a chance I shouldn't pass up.

Resigned, I nod and follow him back inside my childhood home. A home that for fifteen years I swore I'd never return to, but which, because of her and the girls, now feels like the only place where I belong.

"They're out back. Nero and I will wait for you inside."

While Nero and Ben head to the control room, I make my way to the French doors just off the living room. Stepping out onto the back deck, I quietly shut the door behind me, hoping to stay out of sight a little longer. Seeing them like this is like a breath of fresh air, on a hot muggy day. Even with sadness lingering under her expression, Emilia looks beautiful. Her white floral sundress sways gently in the breeze, as she pushes each of the girls on the swings of the wooden play gym. Side by side, the girls giggle with glee while a gentle smile dawns on Embree's lips. In that instant, my breath catches in my throat just as my heart skips a beat.

I love everything about this life. Never has it been more clear than right now, here in this moment. I'm head over heels in love with them to the point I can't fathom a life without them, which is why it makes no sense I can't get past the fact she's pregnant with his child. That I love the girls with every fiber of my being is proof that I can love the child growing inside of her, but what if I'm wrong? What if this resentment tainting my soul continues to fester within me, even after the baby is born? Part of loving someone is not wanting to hurt them, which is why I refuse to make Embree a promise I may not be able to keep. That's why I'm being cautious. I need this time away so I can think and figure out what's best.

As if summoned by the pull between us, her eyes lock with mine with a force that steals my breath. She's so damn gorgeous. Inside, outside, and everywhere in between...she's everything I've ever wanted, the only thing I've ever dreamed of. Leaning down, she whispers something to the girls, and both their little heads snap my way. In a flash, they're running toward me. The happiness radiating from their faces is like an electrical charge that brightens even the darkest parts of my battered soul. They are love in its purest form, a devotion so raw and real that it strips you bare, cleansing away all the bad until all that's left is the promise of hope and possibilities. It's what makes the thought of walking away so painfully unimaginable, but what choice do I have if I can't let go of the resentment?

That's why leaving today is the right thing.

I'm hoping the distance will help put things into perspective.

"Wuc!"

Mallory reaches me first. Lifting her into my arms, I kiss her little head. Like her mama, she smells like summer and sunshine. When Allyssa gets to me, she wraps her arms around my legs in a tight hug, before I also pick her up and kiss her hello.