“Oh, Colton,” Alexandrawhispered.
“I don’t remember much about you when you were first born, but as you got older, Wilson treasured you,” Colton continued. “He would read to you and play with you. It was like he had three different personalities. Things got worse when Mom went back to work. He started bringing women into thehouse.”
“Oh, my God,” shesaid.
“Jesus.” Crockett shook hishead.
“I saw him with them,” Colton continued. “It was fucked up. You might have seen, too. I don’t know. I think Mom knew, but she was trying to keep the family intact. They foughta lot. He was horrible to her. I tried confronting him, but he’d terrorize me and I’dretreat.”
“I’m so sorry,” Alexandra murmured. “I neverknew.”
“He got involved in some shady business dealings and couldn’t pay the debts,” Colton said. “Cain wasn’t supposed to be home.” His body stiffened and he turned away. “They killed him and I foundhim.”
“Oh, Colton.” She ran to him and threw her arms around herbrother.
He kissed her forehead, tears in his eyes. “You couldn’t know the truth. It was too horrible, tooviolent.”
She sat on the arm of the sofa and dried her tear-streaked cheeks while Crockett held her hand and rubbed herback.
“Mom kicked Wilson out. That was the turning point for me, Mom, too. She never told me not to tell you anything, but I knew better. You were six, Alexandra, and so sad when Cain died. When Wilson left, you turned to me. I was ten and did the best Icould.”
As the sun dipped below the buildings and dusk cast its shadow over the day, Colton continued. He explained how the three of them had grown close. How he’d found his inner strength. How she’d helped him get over his stutter. Why he’d turned to kink. How falling in love with Brigit had changed him for the better. He’d never been so forthright; so honest. She admired and respected the man who had been more like a father to her than her own hadbeen.
Crockett said very little. Wiped a few tears, stroked her back. Offered tissues and hot coffee. She wondered if the information would scare him away. Mituses were anything butnormal.
When Colton finished, the truth hung heavy. “I’ve said plenty,” he said and rose from the leather chair. “I want to get home to Brigit and check onMom.”
She kissed his cheek. “Thank you,” she said. “I love you somuch.”
“I love you,” he replied, then he shifted his attention to Crockett. “You got anearful.”
Crockett hugged him. “Nothing I can’t handle. Still love you like a brother. Still think you need a haircut.” He smiled. “Thanks for trusting me,” he said and walked Coltonout.
When he returned, he folded Alexandra into his arms and kissed her. “You are the love of my life, Alex. I’m here for you if you want to talk and it’s okay if youdon’t.”
Alexandra felt gutted, but also relieved. Learning the truth had finally freed her from the ghosts of her past. As she gazed into Crockett’s soulful eyes, she felt certain of one thing. This amazing man loved her unconditionally and that, above all else, matteredmost.
36
Beginnings
Crockett staredthrough theglowing candelabras and across his elegantly set dining room table, appreciating Alexandra’s beauty and grace. She’d wanted to throw a simple dinner party. But in true Mitus fashion, she’d created a culinaryfeast.
Roasted beet salad with arugula, preserved cherries, caramelized pecans and goat cheese. Filet mignon drizzled with balsamic glaze and served with spinach risotto. For Red, who didn’t eat meat, she marinated sliced tempeh in minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and spices. Then, she baked the fermented tofu with thesteaks.
At the opposite end of the table, Alexandra laughed with her mom, Brigit, Red and Gavin. He smiled. How could he not? He had his Goth Girl and his sweet sister was alive andsafe.
The daily angst that haunted him had subsided. Sophia’s road to health continued at a facility in Leesburg where equine therapy played a significant role in her recovery. His mom and dad had rented a cute house nearby.Slow, steadysteps.
The following Friday, Colton would pilot their flight to California for a long weekend. Alexandra had insisted he and Brigit join them. She was eager to put her LA home on the market, collect her belongings, and say goodbye to her former boss. Though her new job didn’t start for a few weeks, she’d already jumped in, learning everything she could about the major players on CapitolHill.
She turned in his direction. Her loving smile made his heart beat faster. He couldn’t wait to make her his,forever.
“So, what do you think?” Coltonasked.
“He’s not paying any attention to us,” Maverick said. “He’s lost inlove.”
“About time,” Dannysaid.