“I’ve felt like a failure, Mia. The only thing I have to show for the last ten years of my life are three beautiful girls. I don’t have a college degree. I’m working for the first time since I was in high school, and soon, I will be divorced. I know you would’ve helped if I asked, but that’s…. You’ve already done so much.” She wipes her cheeks. “I never thought it would be like this. I thought he was going to come home,” she finishes on a sob.

“You’re not a failure, Cece, and you might not realize this, but you and Mike at one point or another decided together that your job was to stay home and take care of the kids. He did his job, which was to take care of you guys. And I don’t care what bullshit he spewed, you did your job and are still doing it, and I know it’s the hardest job in the world. He can say all day long that he’s going to take custody from you, but you know that’s not how that works. A judge will decide what happens, and everyone who knows you has witnessed the kind of mom you are. Mike is a good dad, but he works sixty hours a week if not more, and right now, he’s only seeing the girls one day a week by choice. You tell me how he’s going to suddenly change that.”

I squeeze her hand to make sure I have her full attention. “The house isn’t important. If you have to move because you can’t afford it, then you and the girls will find somewhere else you can afford. And if you want to stay here, I’m sure Mom and me can come to some kind of agreement to help you cover the mortgage until you can afford it.”

“I don’t want that,” she whispers. “I don’t want people covering for me anymore.”

I let out a big breath. “I know you don’t want that, but it’s like Mom told me tonight—sometimes we can’t handle everything on our own. Sometimes we need help, and there is nothing wrong with asking for help or accepting it when it’s offered.”

“I don’t care about anything but my babies.”

“They are fine. Confused, but fine,” I say, and she frowns. “Kate and Lola talked to their dad tonight, and judging by the questions they asked when I tucked them in, I’m guessing Mike mentioned the divorce and selling the house.”

“He didn’t,” she hisses.

“I don’t know for sure, because while they were on the phone with him, I was putting Ruby to bed.”

“That piece of…. God, he’s a dick. How did I never realize he was such a dick?”

“I’m sure you noticed; you just didn’t overthink it, because he was—or is—your husband.”

“You’re probably right,” she mutters.

“So I’m going to guess that right now isn’t the best time to let you know that Mom and Chaz are going to be here in a few days.”

“Seriously?” She closes her eyes before falling back against the couch. “I should have thought about that before I had a lapse in judgment and called Mom tonight when I was on break. I just… I needed Mom. I needed her to tell me that everything would be okay.”

“I get it, and I really think it will be a good having her and Chaz here. They can help take the girls’ minds off things for a few days or months.”

“Months?” Her eyes widen.

I shrug. “Mom reminded me that she works for Chaz and he works for himself. I don’t know how long they’re going to be here, but my guess is it will be until they know you and the girls are okay.”

“Right.” She sits forward then stands. “On that note, I’m going to go kiss my girls then lay in bed and figure out what I’m going to say to them in the morning over pancakes.”

“I know it’s easier said than done, but you shouldn’t stress too much about the conversation you’re going to have in the morning. The girls know how much you love them, and they trust you and Mike.” I tip my head to the side. “Maybe just be truthful. I know you hate the idea of them knowing what is happening, but sometimes not knowing is worse than the truth. It’s not going to be easy for them either way, but at least they will understand what’s going on and what might happen.”

I watch tears fill her eyes once more then hear her take a harsh breath. “You’re right.” She steps up to me, and I stand to wrap my arms around her. “I love you, and I’m so thankful for you.”

“I love you too.” My nose stings, but I fight back the tears. Right now, she doesn’t need to see my cry. Right now, she needs me to be strong and show her it’s okay, because she has people who she can lean on. “I’ll see you in the morning for pancakes, unless you want to have your talk with the girls alone.” I lean back to meet her gaze.

“I think it might help them having you there.” She lets me go.

“Then I’ll be there,” I promise before turning off the TV and grabbing my cell and empty can.

“Mia,” Cece calls as I’m dumping my can in the recycle bin.

“Yeah?” I meet her gaze.

“Thank you… for everything.” She rubs her lips together as her eyes fill with tears once more. “I never want you to feel like I’m taking advantage of you.”

“What you need to get, Cece, is I’m your sister. If you need me, I’ll be here. I will always be here.” The tears filling her eyes skim down her cheeks, and she nods before quickly heading upstairs. I watch her go, with my chest feeling funny.

I don’t know exactly what just happened, but I do know it was something big, and I’m really praying it’s something good.

And on that thought, I head up to bed, because tomorrow is going to be another challenge—not just the girls, but me letting my guard down with Talon.

CHAPTER 8

Mia

WHEN THE DOORBELL rings, I let out a breath. Mike called about ten minutes ago to say he was on his way to pick up the girls. I didn’t talk to him; Lola answered the house phone and let me know after she hung up. I told her and her sisters to head up and grab the bags their mom packed and anything else they might want, even though I really don’t want to let them go.

This morning during breakfast, we found out Mike asked Kate and Lola last night who they would want to live with, before saying he would really like the two of them and Ruby to move in with him. He also said after the house gets sold, they could look for a house together. I was surprised he did that, especially after he’s seemed to be on the same page as Cece when it comes to protecting the girls from everything going on. And honestly, I was disappointed he didn’t think about how that would make the girls feel. So no, I really don’t want to let them go with him.

“Kate, Ruby, Lola, your dad’s here!” I shout up the stairs as I walk toward the front door.

“We’re coming!” they yell back as I open the door.

“Hey, Mimi,” Mike greets.

“Mike.” I cross my arms over my chest and glare at him, because even if my sister has to be nice, I don’t.

“Are the girls ready?” He shoves his hands in his pockets as he shifts on his feet, seeming unsure.

“They are,” I say shortly, leaving off the word dick.

“Look, Mimi, I’m—”

“Mike, I know you and Cece talked—”