Truly Madly Deeply Boxed Set(67)

Chelsie fought the relief and accompanying dizziness and forced herself to concentrate on their words, words she never thought she’d hear. “Shannon and I had everything growing up.” She couldn’t bear to hear her parents so full of guilt and blame. They’d lost one daughter and were about to get yet another shock from her.

“Every advantage, yes. I saw to that by working hard and providing you with the upbringing neither your mother nor I had.” Darren Russell’s low voice was contrite and anguished. Chelsie couldn’t remember a time in her life when she’d heard him so honest... or so empty.

“We got carried away by the money and the lifestyle,” her mother said. “It became more important than people. What people thought of us became more important than our own children or our grandchildren.” She glanced down at their intertwined hands. “We were wrong. We lost out on years of more important things, years of closeness with you and your sister, and we’re sorry.” Her head lowered in shame. “And we’ll make it up to you and any grandchildren we’re lucky enough to have.”

Chelsie swallowed over the painful lump in her throat. They’d given her what she’d always wanted. They’d given her back her parents, while she was about to take away their last dreams. “So am I. And I...”

“We don’t expect your forgiveness.”

She raised damp eyes to meet their expectant gaze. “But you have it. You always have. But...” Chelsie inhaled for courage.

“But what?” Her mother rolled her hand over, capturing Chelsie’s and holding on tight. “We’ve been through the worst. I think it’s time we heard all of it. Then we can finally be a family.”

Chelsie nodded and turned to her mother. Images of Griff and Alix assailed her. The very people who’d given her back her life. She owed it to them to come all the way back, even if Griff no longer wanted any part of her.

She bit the inside of her cheek before speaking. “You... you won’t be having any more grandchildren,” she said. In the minutes that ensued, Chelsie told her parents the same details she’d shared with Griff, and waited for the same painful end.

To her shock and relief, it never came. Her sister’s death had changed her parents—too late for Shannon, but just in time for Chelsie.

“Well, at least this wife will be the last woman he abuses.” Her father sat with clenched fists, his skin pale beneath the Florida tan.

Chelsie gnawed on the inside of her cheek. “I’ve been thinking about that. The system never works quite the way it should. The courts are overcrowded, and given Jeff’s propensity to charm and talk his way out of things, he might get off with a hefty fine and community service.”

“The man needs help,” her father muttered.

“Exactly. And I think I know a way to see he gets it.” For Chelsie, it was also a way to make amends for not acting in the past.

Even Griff couldn’t fault this idea, considering he, too, wanted assurance that her ex-husband would get the help he needed. Unfortunately, Griff would fight her involvement out of concern. He might not want her in his life, but she knew him well enough to know he’d protect her anyway. Which was why she had no intention of mentioning this particular idea until it was complete.

Her father leaned forward. “I’m listening.”

She smiled. He was. After a lifetime of drought, she had unconditional support at last.

Hours later, she knew she’d done the right thing and she’d explain that to her ex-partner when she got home. Since her father had excused himself, Chelsie now sat alone with her mother. She eased back in the family-room recliner.

“Remember, if he doesn’t want you, it’s his loss.” Her mother crossed the room and knelt down beside her.

Despite the painful words, Chelsie burst out laughing.

“What’s so funny?” Ellen Russell asked.

“You’re talking to me like I’m a teenager and I’ve lost my first true love.”

Her mother reached out and touched her hair. “Haven’t you?”

“Haven’t I what?” Chelsie asked. She’d been brutally honest about everything in her life except her relationship with Griff. That particular loss was still too painful and fresh.

Her mother’s wise gaze met hers. “Lost your first true love?”

Chelsie opened and closed her mouth, unable to form an answer. Apparently a mother never lost her intuition, even after years of neglect.

“I lost your teenage years in a selfish fog, but I’m here now. And I know what I see.”

“What’s that?” Chelsie asked, too emotionally spent to get her anger up or argue.