When You're Back(40)

“You’ll be mad at him. He doesn’t need that. He’s hurting,” she said with a sob.

I knew that. And if it wasn’t for Harlow, I’d go beat his ass for acting like this. But I wouldn’t hurt my sister in any way. “I won’t do that. I know he’s hurting. I’m going to talk to him. See if I can’t get him to see things clearer and lay off the vodka. He’s got to find another way to cope without turning to alcohol. Next, he’ll be back on drugs. Someone has to stop him, and we both know Dean can’t.”

Harlow dropped her forehead to her knees. “He loves her so much. I can’t imagine that, Mase. I can’t comprehend how he deals with seeing the woman he loves so much lost in her own body. It breaks my heart. I want him to find a way to be happy again. He hasn’t been happy in so long.”

If any of Kiro Manning’s kids were going to cry over him, it would be Harlow. She loved him in a way I didn’t understand. The father she knew was so different from the Kiro I was familiar with. I was thankful that he cherished Harlow. I’d hate him and completely wash my hands of the man if he didn’t adore Harlow the way he did. That was his one redeeming quality in my eyes. He loved my little sister. That was enough for me to try to stop him from killing himself with his own stupidity. “He has held on to Emily for a long time. This is rocking him. He feels like he’s losing her again. But he’s going to lose himself if someone doesn’t shake some sense into him. I won’t be mean to him, but I will force him to see the big picture. He needs that, Harlow.”

She sniffled and nodded as she wiped at a stray tear that rolled down her face. “I love him,” she said softly.

I reached over and pulled her into a tight hug. “I know you do. And because you do, I’ll do everything I can to save him from himself.”

She clung to me, and we sat there like that until her quiet sobs died down. When she pulled back, she used her sleeve to clean her tear-streaked face. “Where’s Reese?”

Reese. I’d had to leave Reese. I hated leaving Reese behind. I needed her. “She has a new job, and her boss isn’t going to be there tomorrow. She has to fill in for her. And honestly, I don’t want Reese to be there to see Kiro in his current state.”

Harlow gave me a sad smile. “I’m sorry you had to leave her.”

I was, too. I reached out and tucked a stray hair behind Harlow’s ear. “I miss her. I won’t lie. But right now, Kiro needs help. And for you, I’m going to make sure he gets it.”

Harlow sighed and sank back into her seat. “He loves you, too, you know. He’s proud of you. He doesn’t say it, but he’s proud of the man you became. That you’re not like him.”

I wasn’t like him because I was raised by a good man. I didn’t say that to Harlow, though. I just nodded, because that was what she needed.

She laughed and reached over to squeeze my hand. “You’re agreeing with me because you don’t want me upset. You’re as bad as Grant. I know you don’t believe it. I don’t know if you ever will. But I know Daddy. I know he loves you.”

I smiled at the sound of her laughter. That eased the tightness in my chest some. “I just want you to promise me you’ll stop worrying. Don’t cry. Rest, enjoy Lila Kate, and give poor Grant a break. The man is worried sick over you.”

Harlow glanced back at the house, and a sweet smile touched her lips. “I got lucky with him. He’s wonderful. He makes everything in my world brighter.”

Good. “Focus on that, then. The bright shit Grant creates. Just stop worrying.”

Harlow laughed again, and I felt much better about her. I could leave her and deal with Kiro now, knowing she was better and her mind was at ease.

The door opened, and Grant stuck his head out. “Did I hear her laugh?” he asked in a hopeful tone.

“Yes, you did. I bring the magic, man. You could take lessons from me,” I said, standing up. I walked over and pressed a kiss on top of Harlow’s head. “Love you.”

She squeezed my arm. “Love you, too.”

Grant walked over to her, and she stood up to cuddle against his chest. He began caressing her back and tucked her head under his chin. “Thank you,” he said, looking at me like I’d just solved all the world’s problems.

“Call me no matter what she says next time. No reason for her to worry. She’s stubborn, but you can be more stubborn. I’ve seen it. I was there when you stood at a hospital door, refusing to move until your wife came out of that room alive.”

A moment of fear and then relief flashed through his eyes at the memory. “Noted,” he replied.