Page 16 of Roll With The Punches

“Nope. Can’t blame her.”

“Neither can I.”

* * * *

Brandon knew Stuart would probably have an earful to say once they were alone, and he didn’t disappoint.

“I’m sorry, Sir,” he quietly said so they couldn’t be overheard, “but I’m not happy she’s here.”

“I know.” He pulled him in for a hug. “But thank you for being so good about this. I appreciate it.”

Stuart relaxed in his arms. “This isourfamily,” he whispered. “She had her chance and screwed it up.”

His poor boy. He might always bear scars from his family of origin.

All he and Jeff could try to do was heal him with their love.

Grace and Tracey emerged a few minutes later. Tracey hesitated, finally giving Brandon a smile. “Thanks for today.”

He shrugged. “I didn’t do anything. She’s old enough to make up her own mind. That’s something you should remember.”

Tracey seemed to huddle in on herself, her arms crossed over her chest, hands gripping her arms.

She didn’t resemble the woman he’d known and thought he’d loved.

Tried to love.

Correction, hehadloved her. He hadn’t beeninlove with her.

“How do I fix this with her?”

Brandon shrugged. “One step at a time. Without Pat in tow. The more you do that, the more she feels like you put her first, the better your chances. I can’t fight this for you, Tracey. This is all on you. You need to regain her trust. Accusing her of faking being sick when you tricked her onto that cruise that time, and then Pat took her meds from her, was pretty shitty.”

She blushed. “I know,” she said, so softly he almost couldn’t hear her.

“Taking Corey’s side over hers when he tried to video her without her consent was also not the right move.”

She swallowed hard and nodded.

“Does Pat even know you’re here?”

She shook her head.

“Are you afraid of him?”

“He’s my husband, Brandon.”

“That wasn’t an answer.” He stepped closer, forcing her to look up at him. “Were you ever afraid ofme?”

“That night you came and got Emma after we got home from the cruise.”

“I had every right to be angry at you and Pat that night. And you know what I mean.”

She finally shook her head.

“So why are you afraid to stand up to Pat? You shouldn’t live in fear.”

“It’s not that simple. He’s never hurt me. But I can’t exactly go out and make a living all on my own. Sometimes, in marriage, you have to make sacrifices.” She tipped her head up slightly, nose in the air. “It’s whatresponsibleadults do.”