Page 124 of The Only Heart that Matters
“What?” My question quiet. Just for her.
“I was so ashamed. I didn’t want you to know. I’m so sorry.”
Tears fill her eyes and my soul fractures. I’ve dried too many tears from her cheeks and seeing them on the verge of falling kills me.
“You never have to feel ashamed, Mia,” Mom says, taking her other hand. “Never. I wish you had told us, I do. But luckily, you didn’t keep him from us, and we’ve been a part of his life since the day he was born. But it would sure mean a lot for him to know me as grandma.”
Mia covers her face with her hands as her sobs break free. Mom stands and approaches Mia, bringing her to her feet so she can take her in her arms. Mia cries in Mom's arms and the rest of us watch on with tears in our eyes.
“What did Knox say when you told him?” Callen asks.
I step in and answer for her. “Um... he was shocked. He didn’t show any interest in Sawyer, and he gave us his blessing.”
Whispered curses float around the table.
“But a couple days later, he emailed Mia and said he was sorry for his reaction and offered to be in Sawyer's life as much as she wants him to be. He offered money and said if she refuses, he’ll open a trust for him. The only thing he asked was to be the one to teach Sawyer to ride a horse.”
As I take in the shocked faces of my family, I wonder if I've overestimated how cool they would be about the two of us being together. Daisy’s mouth is still hanging open. Owen is staring at Daisy as if she’s a bomb he’s afraid is about to detonate. Charlotte is all smiles while Callen furrows his brow. Mom is still holding Mia with tears in her eyes. She loves us all unconditionally and is going to support me no matter what. That’s enough for now.
We’re gonna be okay.
“So, like we said. I’m moving back into the house, and Mia and I are gonna make a real go of this. Not that it matters, but do any of you have anything to say about that?”
“Of course, not. We’re happy for the both of you,” my mom says.
“What she said,” Owen declares. “Let me know if you need any help with the move.”
“Thanks, Owen. I appreciate it.”
But I don’t need any help. She’s living in my house, and I’ve already got my things packed and in the back of my truck, ready to go home with them tonight after dinner.
“Daisy, are we okay?” I ask my sister.
“I really don’t know. It feels like I’m in an alternate universe. I need some time. It’s one thing to keep your crush on Angus from me, but to keep the fact that Sawyer is my nephew from me,from my entire family, I’m sorry, but I can’t just forgive you with open arms this time.”
After aiming all her vitriol at Mia my little sister gets up and leaves the room. When the front door slams shut, Mia gasps, another small sob escaping. My heart twists for her.
Owen rushes after Daisy and Mom wraps Mia up again. “She’ll come around, honey. She’ll come around.”
Chapter Forty-Six
Mia
Sharon was wrong.
Daisy hasn’t come around.
She hasn’t replied to any of my calls or texts because she’s blocked me. I’ve gone to her house, but she won’t answer the door. Her car was in the driveway both times, so I know she was home. She just didn’t want to see me.
She’ll speak to Angus, but she won’t speak to him about me. He’s tried, but Daisy can be stubborn when she wants to be. And when she’s angry, there is no getting through to her without a fight. Even then, she rarely caves.
It’s been weeks with no contact. Daisy and I usually talk every day. Not being able to share what’s going on in my life with her sucks. I’m done being ignored.
I’m taking control of the situation.
If there is one thing Daisy is, it’s professional. So, today, I will confront her at work. Is it a low-down, dirty way of forcing herto talk to me? Sure is. Do I care? Nope. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Thanks to Charlotte’s meddling, I know she and Daisy will be at Goose Hollow Park this afternoon. The town has commissioned them to revamp the playground and picnic area of the park and they’re meeting with citizens to talk about the new plans and get their input.
