As to the unhappy news—the threat posed by Dominion and the uncertain future they faced—she wasn’t at liberty to discuss. And no way in hell she’d do or say anything to put the lives or safety of any member of her family at risk.
They came first. Always.
“You’re being unreasonable, Summer. Marla Wagner just wants totalkto you.”
Her phone on speaker, she didn’t bother lifting it from the arm of the chair she sat curled in. “For the last time, I have no interest in talking to Mrs. Wagner. I don’t care how much money she offered you. I’m not changing my mind.”
“At least read the emails she sent to you. It’s the minimum you can do for someone who gave you a job and a home.”
Summer snorted. “The Silver Buckle Ranch was never my home. You’d know that if you ever listened to a word I say.”
“You’ve gotten very bold, young lady.”
“Yes, I suppose it would sound that way to you.” She looked out the window of Jamie’s bedroom, finding patience in the bright sunshine laying streaks of warmth across the wood floor. “But the truth is, I’ve just learned to stand up for myself. I’m done letting people who don’t care about me manipulate me, Melanie. And that includes you.”
“That’s a terrible thing to say!”
“Well, I’m sorry you feel that way, but now that I have your attention, the reason I called is to let you know, I’ve decided to stop paying your monthly offering to Oshram.”
“You can’t—”
“Actually, I can. And I am. I’ll transfer you enough money to cover the next three months. It’ll give you some time to come up with another way to earn your contribution. After that, you’re on your own.”
“It’s thosepeopleyou’re with. They’ve brainwashed you. Turned you against me.”
“Wrong again. The people I’m with don’t even know you exist. This is my decision and mine alone.”
“But—”
“I’ve also decided to end our weekly calls. If you need to get a hold of me, you can send an email to my old account, and I’ll contact you if necessary.”
“But—”
“Take care, Melanie. I wish you the best. I really do.”
She hit the end button on her phone without hesitation, severing the connection to a past that had given her nothing but pain and disappointment.
“I’m sorry, baby.”
“I’m not.” She lifted her gaze to the man who’d stood by and silently supported her while she terminated the toxic relationship with her mother. Her spirit lighter and her heart full to bursting, the sight of Jamie with Halia in his arms was all the reassurance she needed. She’d done the right thing for herself—finally.
A choice she really had made on her own.
How could she not? How could she be a role model for Halia if she didn’t have the courage to stand up for herself? If she didn’t demonstrate in words and actions the importance of respecting yourself enough to set boundaries with the people who didn’t love you the way you deserved?
“Well, for what it’s worth, I’m proud of you.”
Summer stood and crossed the short distance between them. “It’s worth more than you know.” She lifted onto her toes, raising her chin while he bent to give her a lingering kiss. His lips soft and gentle, he offered her comfort without demand, and she loved him even more for it.
“Do I need to worry about Marla Wagner?” he asked, breaking the kiss and giving her Halia.
“No.” She lifted the baby to her shoulder to pat her back. “I miss the children, but I’d never consider working for the Wagners again. They’re not my kind of people.” He cocked a brow but didn’t ask for the details she thought best to keep to herself. “I’ll email her back to let her know I’m not interested in returning.”
“Alright, but if you need me to intervene…”
“I’ll let you know.”
He smoothed his fingers across her forehead, brushing aside her curls and tracing a path down the side of her face. “So, what’s on your agenda for the rest of the day?”
