“It means…” I blow out a breath, my erratic heart pounding away in my chest. “It means just that. We’re family.”
Mercy’s eyes narrow at my non-answer. Then, her gaze drops to our joined hands.
All hell breaks loose.
Her face turns dangerously red with rage. I can see it in her gaze. She’s furious right now, ready to take away everything I’ve been working tirelessly for. And she will. She fucking will.
“Leave.”
“What!” This comes from Gia. “He’s not leaving.”
Mercy whips her head toward my defiant sister. “You watch your words with me. He is leaving. They both are. Now.”
“That’s not fair, Aunt Mercy!” Gunner says, now standing as well.
“Sit back down, boy.”
“No,” he says firmly.
“Gunn, sit, please. You guys don’t need to defend me.”
“Well someone needs to!” Gillian insists.
I lower my head, shaking it at the kids’ cries for justice. I appreciate them, but I didn’t earn them. “Really, guys. I love you for it, but it’s fine. We’ll leave.”
“Why? What’d you do that’s so bad?” Gia urges.
Glancing to Haley, who gives a subtle nod, I say, “We got married.”
All the kids except Graham gasp. Mercy shakes her head in disgust.
“Why is that so bad?” Gillian questions.
“It’s not,” her twin says. “It’s not bad at all. I don’t see why Aunt Mercy is making such a big deal of it.”
I tug Haley’s hand. She puts her napkin down on the table and smiles over at Gia. “Thank you for such a lovely meal. You’re a fantastic cook.”
“No! Don’t leave! Why is it bad you’re married?” Gillian’s in tears as I round the table and gather her into my arms, hugging her tightly and repeating over and over that everything will be fine. She doesn’t believe me.
“It’s because he didn’t ask forpermission.” Graham surprises me with his words, but I think the most shocking thing is how filled with vitriol they are. I glance to him, finding him staring daggers at Mercy. She glares right back.
“What happened, Graham?” He doesn’t say anything. “Mercy, what happened?” She stays silent. “Dammit, someone tell me what happened!”
Gillian shakes in my arms as my voice booms around the room. I hate how badly my family is hurting right now. I hate it more that I have no legal right to pack their bags and take them from this home.
“What happens in this home is none of your business.”
“Bullshit it’s not!”
“He’s in trouble for being late yesterday. He didn’t come home until almost four. We’re supposed to be back by three forty at the latest,” Gunner supplies.
“And?”
“He had to do all the chores. Like, all of our choresandhis.He was also locked in his room last night with no dinner. I don’t think he’s had food today either.”
“What!” I direct my gaze to Mercy, squeezing Gillian tighter in my arms to hold myself back from the rage I feel inside. I’m scared if I let her go, I’ll let it out. I’ve never been so upset in my entire life. Nothing can compare to the fire that’s roaring through my veins right now. I feel like my body is on fire with fury.
“It’s okay,” Graham speaks up. “I broke the rules. I deserved punishment.”
