Worth the Trouble(104)

“Well, I’m just praying for a healthy baby,” Vivi said, rubbing her tummy. “By the way, I’m starving. Can we order dinner now?”

Cat excused herself while the others debated the takeout order. She shut herself in the bathroom, needing a private moment to digest the news.

Like a storm-swollen river, life kept moving at a quick pace regardless of her setbacks. Lately she could barely keep her head above the water. A fresh wave of pain for her own losses, for the babies she’d never bear, and for the love she’d left behind, deluged her.

Unlike Jackson, she couldn’t blame someone else for her situation. This intervention may have been intended for Jackson, but seeing how his denial had screwed up his life made her realize how she’d been destroying her own.

Maybe Vivi and Esther were right. Maybe the time had come to tap into the courage to be honest. And maybe, by doing so, she’d finally prove to herself she was worthy of love.

She was wiping a stray tear from her eye when she heard a quiet rap at the door.

“Cat?” Vivi asked.

Cat opened the door to find Vivi looking chagrined. “I’m so sorry about the way I blurted out my news. David and I had planned to talk to you first, but I just reacted to Jackson’s belligerence. It popped out before I even thought about how it would affect you. The last thing I wanted, though, was to hurt you.”

Cat swallowed the lump in her throat. “I know, Vivi. I understand. It may not look like it right now, but I really am thrilled for you and David. Don’t let my issues steal one second of your joy. And you did get Jackson to calm down and listen. Honestly, I’m still reeling from his bombshell, too.”

“All three of you take after your dad—closing up like you can shut off your feelings. But feelings always find their way out. You all make it so much harder by retreating.” Vivi exhaled before she hugged Cat. “I won’t press tonight, or even tomorrow. But soon you and I need to talk about whatever has happened with Hank.”

“Talking won’t help,” Cat rubbed her forehead before continuing, “But maybe Jackson can. Do you think he’d come home with me before he returns to Connecticut tonight?”

“Why? Are you worried that Justin’s lurking around?”

“No. I just need him to do me a favor.” Cat sighed. “Make a delivery, actually.”

Vivi cocked her head and narrowed her eyes. “If you think you’re leaving this bathroom without letting me in on your plan, think again.”





Mom,

I guess you know all about David and Vivi, and Jackson. Without you to confide in, we’ve all been walking around hiding our secrets and pain.

I know you wouldn’t want that for us, so I’m taking the risk of exposing myself to rejection. The only thing more terrifying than losing every scrap of pride I’ve ever had is the thought of losing my last chance with Hank.

I hope this choice I’ve made is brave enough to earn a happy ending.





CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Hank was sitting at his kitchen table toying with a cold cup of coffee when Jenny entered the room.

“Going for a run.” She pulled her hair into a high ponytail. “Need anything before I take off?”

Hank shook his head and waved her off. Staring at the dormant video monitor lying in its cradle, he let the eerie silence settle in his bones. Nothing stirred in the house now that he’d been sidelined and his mother spent her days and nights in the nursing facility where she’d remain until he regained full use of his hand. If he regained full use of it.

Besides, his mom’s condition deteriorated a little more each week. Odds were pretty good she might never return home, despite his best intentions.

The freedom he’d dreamed of for years—the choice to stay inside, go for a walk, or do anything else he wanted, whenever he wanted—held no relief. He’d been gutted to a hollow shell, fumbling around, unable to move forward.

No Cat, no work, no mother to care for. Nothing.

He absentmindedly tapped the splint against the table a few times. The damn contraption made him think of his mother again. What a pair they’d make if she were here with him, sitting and staring into space together.

Of course, at least he understood the circumstances of his life and situation. He couldn’t say the same for his mom. Every morning he wondered whether she awakened in terror, in an unfamiliar bedroom, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and sounds. Imagining her tears and confusion crushed him.

He stood up, placed the coffee cup in the sink, and leaned against the counter.

Through the window, he saw Jackson’s truck pulling into his driveway. Hell. He’d been avoiding talking to him for the past few days, and didn’t feel much like dealing with him now. But Hank learned long ago how to accept the inevitable.