Page 23 of Ruptured

Releasing her hand, Kendall folded her arms, then walked to the foot of the bed. “Do you know what I once hated the most about you?”

“Everything.”

Kendall laughed. “I want to deny that charge, ma’am, but I can’t, so I plead no contest.”

Swiping at her cheeks, Meggie smiled sadly. “Forever the attorney, Mrs. Donovan.”

“I hated your husband’s complete and total devotion to you and your adoration of him,” Kendall continued, ignoring Meggie’s words.

“It doesn’t matter,” Meggie said tiredly.

“He loves youbecauseof your faith in him. In people. He loves you because of your ability to forgive and to humanize a man the world would demonize.”

Meggie clenched her jaw.

“For so long, you were my lifeline, Meggie.” Kendall returned to the side of the bed, her look so vulnerable Meggie’s head spun. “So many of my actions were reprehensible. Yet you always protected me. Excused me. Forgave me. I was angry with the world, but you also knew I was ill.” She stroked Meggie’s hair. “Something broke three months ago, especially in your children.Rule. You and Jo were so sick. Your sons might idolize Christopher, but you’re the center of the family. They adore you. I know you’re angry, sweetheart. Hurt. Outraged. But your son needs you. Now more than ever.”

Meggie knew that. She and Christopher intended to seek help for Rule over the summer. Unfortunately, they’d both underestimated the extent of his illness.

Recalling the emptiness in Rule’s eyes as they fought chilled Meggie. “I want to know my daughter will be okay.”

CJ had left the room half an hour ago to go downstairs for coffee and fresh air. Meggie planned to call Christopher, but her mind was running in all directions.

Kendall pulled away and studied her. “I have a question for you, honey.”

“What?”

“Are you angry with Christopher or out of love with him?”

“What kind of question is that?”

“A legitimate one.”

“The state of my marriage has nothing to do with the actions of my son.”

“I object. The state of my marriage has a lot to do with the actions of my children. We get so wrapped up in our husbands, we sometimes forget our first responsibility are as mothers.” Kendall sat in the chair CJ had slept in. “Let’s set the children aside for a bit. You have a huge load on your shoulders. Not the least of which is your husband. As much responsibility as I have, it can’t ever compare to yours, Meggie. You have to be old lady, wife, conscience, and lover. It’s your duty to run the house, befriend the women, oversee club functions, and do your part in the home healthcare business.Somethingatsome pointwill get lost in that insanity.”

“I didn’t mean to ignore what Rule needed,” Meggie said quietly.

“Kids are set aside for the time being, honey,” Kendall reminded her. “I was looked down upon for hiring help. The housekeeper. The nanny. The assistant.”

“You were looked down upon forwhoyou hired,” Meggie retorted. “Ella has lightened up over the years, but most of your housekeepers belong in a Victorian Gothic novel replete with lords and ladies of the ton.”

Kendall chuckled. “Touché. Although that isn’t my point, I concede to your observation.”

“What do you want me to say, Kendall? Where do I find trustworthy women to help Bunny and me with all our responsibilities? I would be lost without Bunny’s assistance, but I know it is a lot for the two of us.”

“Hire some of the brothers.”

“Christopher would never go for that. He went into fits over Easton Love.”

“You need help, darling. You need dedicated staff to focus on different areas. Children. Cooking. Cleaning. They each report any issues to you.”

“The kids love Bunny—”

“Outside of Gunner, the kids aren’t around her much anymore.”

“I suppose I can ask some of the old ladies if they—”