Page 98 of Timber's Line

“I’d like that.” He hugs me back, and Ever joins in.

“We’re sorry,” she says. I can feel the tears welling in my eyes, but I wipe them away.

“I’m so proud of you for sticking up for yourself.” Uncle Sal comes over and hugs me.

“Thank you.”

Memphis approaches cautiously. “You will always be my little sister. I think it’s my duty to look out for you. If Dayton hurts you, I will hurt him.”

I can’t help but laugh at that. “Fair enough.”

“I’m so proud of you for finding your voice.” He hugs me.

“I know it will take some time,” Shane, my dad, says.

“I’m okay with that,” I reply.

“I think we have a finale to prepare for so she can go get her man.” Uncle Sal claps his hands with glee.

“He’s so weird,” I mutter, and Ever laughs.

“Welcome to the family.” She hugs me as we head out. I’m coming, Dayton.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX

DAYTON

I’m sitting at the park, taking in the peace. I went on a long run to clear my head. It didn’t really help. I’m worried about Timber and how she is handling all of this.

“Hi.” Snow sits down next to me.

“Hey.” I don’t look at her. I kind of blamed her when she showed up at Shane’s and ruined what I had started. In a way, I messed it up as well. Back then, I was still at war with my head about how I felt.

“I saw Timber.”

“You did?” When did she see her?

“I went to visit Ever. They explained what had just happened, and I told her that you loved her.”

“What did she say?”

“Not much. I did most of the talking only because she was still pissed about everything. I don’t blame her. The guys should have told you she was going to be there. But you also need to work on reacting. You need to think before you just blurt out stuff.”

I chuckle. “I have a bad habit of doing that.” I’ll admit that.

“She does care about you. Put yourself in her shoes and her past.”

“Past? You mean sucking cock for money?”

“No, her family kept a secret from her for so long. She doesn’t feel like she can fit in. You once called her a frumpy soccer mom. You need to see her scars.”

“Scars?”

“Not my story to tell, but they’re there, inside and out. They’re there and very real. It will take a strong man to hold her up when she can’t do it for herself.”

I take in what she said.

“Thank you,” I tell her, and she pats my shoulder.