“But I’m not blind to the fact she needs her family,” I add, “so I’m asking you both to come too.”
Lucy lets out a disbelieving laugh. “You want us to uproot our lives because you’ve decided where she’s going to live?” she snaps.
“I’m trying to make this easier,” I reply. “She needs continuity. Same therapist. Same support. She shouldn’t have to start from scratch.”
“And what, you’ll just take care of everything?” she challenges.
“Yes.” The word comes out without hesitation. “I have staff,” I add. “Resources. She’ll be looked after properly.”
Lucy shakes her head slowly. “Why are you really doing this?” she asks.
I hold her gaze. “Because she’s having my baby.”
“You don’t know that,” she fires back immediately. “For all you know, it could be anyone’s.”
Something in me snaps. “She’s not like that,” I say, sharply. “You know she isn’t.”
Lucy doesn’t flinch. “How would you know?” she shoots back. “She wasn’t herself for a long time.”
“Are you saying Wynter is lying?” I ask, my voice quieter now, but edged. “That she’s been sleeping around?”
Lucy’s expression twists. “No,” she says after a beat. “God, no.” Her jaw tightens. “Although I wish she had.”
I nod once. “Then we’re done here.” Lucy stiffens at that. “Wynter’s coming home with me. Tonight,” I say, leaving no room for argument. “The doctor’s already arranging her discharge papers. Her care will be transferred to me.”
Alec shifts beside me. Lucy lets out a sharp laugh. “You don’t get to just take over, you’re not even next of kin,” she snaps.
“I already have,” I reply evenly.
Her eyes flash with fury. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Maybe,” I say. “But I’m also the one making sure she doesn’t fall apart again the second she walks out of here.”
I see the doubt mixed with fear in Alec’s eyes. He’s just as worried as I am about her. He knows this is for the best, deep down.
And I push on. “You’re welcome to come,” I add, my tone softening just slightly. “Both of you. Tonight. Help her settle in. See where she’ll be living.” Lucy stares at me like she doesn’t trust a single word coming out of my mouth. “Look around,” I continue. “Stay, if you want to. I’m not trying to take her away from you.”
Her laugh this time is quieter, sounding bitter. “That’s exactly what you’re doing.”
I hold her gaze. “No,” I say. “I’m making sure she has everything she needs.” I wait a beat before adding, “And whether you like it or not, right now, she needs me. She needs us all.”I stand. “You’re both welcome into my home any time. No questions.”
WYNTER
“Are you sure about this?” Aunt Lucy asks for what feels like the hundredth time.
I zip up my bag and nod, forcing a small smile. “I won’t make his life easy, Lucy, you don’t have to worry,” I say lightly. “I’m pregnant and a little unhinged, he’ll regret ever stepping back into my life.”
She doesn’t smile, instead she lowers to sit on the edge of the bed. “I’m serious,” she says, reaching for my hand.
The weight of it pulls me down beside her on the bed. “I know,” I murmur, squeezing her fingers. “I don’t want to stay with him, but staying in Stamford . . . it’s too much.” My voice softens. “Everywhere I go, it’s him. Me and Josh. Every street, every shop . . . it’s like I can’t breathe without remembering.” My throat tightens. “I was only back there a month,” I admit, “and it nearly broke me.”
Lucy’s expression softens, her thumb brushing over my hand.
“I know I have to face it eventually,” I go on. “I know I can’t run forever. But right now . . .” I shake my head slightly. “Right now, I need something different. Even if that means moving in with the father of my baby who,” I huff out a weak laugh, “can barely stand me.”
She doesn’t laugh. “You’re going to get your heart broken again,” she says quietly.
I look down at my hands. “It’s already broken,” I whisper. “I don’t think there’s anything left to damage.” The words hang there for a moment. Then I place a hand over my stomach, grounding myself. “But this,” I add, “is different. I’m going to get better. I have to. For this.” My fingers spread slightly, protective.“I’m going to be a good mum,” I say. “Even if everything else is a mess.”