Total pages in book: 188
Estimated words: 182255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 911(@200wpm)___ 729(@250wpm)___ 608(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 182255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 911(@200wpm)___ 729(@250wpm)___ 608(@300wpm)
“Beck?” Hudson demanded.
“Right behind us. He needs medical attention, but he’ll be okay. Deep breath.”
Hudson nodded, his fists gripping Seth’s shirt like he was drowning. “I was so scared.”
“I know. But you didn’t let fear win. You protected them. You protected her.” He held Hudson tighter. “I’m so proud of you, son.”
“I wasn’t trying to be brave. I just…reacted.”
Seth understood that perfectly, and that spoke volumes about Hudson’s character. Proud was an understatement. “I love you.”
Hudson’s breath stuttered. He clung harder. “I love you, too.”
Seth pressed his lips to the top of Hudson’s head, his own eyes burning. Then, because the kid needed it, he pulled back just enough to meet his gaze and forced a crooked smile. “Maybe we don’t mention this to your mom right away, yeah?”
Hudson choked out a laugh, swiping at his tears again as he worked to pull himself together. “If ever.”
Seth squeezed his shoulder once more. “You good?”
His son nodded. “Yeah. I’ll stop crying like a pussy.”
“You’re not a pussy. It’s adrenaline drop. Go check on Grandma Grace. And maybe don’t tell her you’re a pussy when she asks how you are.”
Hudson’s smile brightened. “I don’t think she’ll care. Did you hear the words coming out of her mouth?”
“Yeah. She was once married to a cop.” Seth winked.
As the kid crossed the room to where Grace and Carl embraced, Seth turned and damn near lunged for Heavenly. He couldn’t wait another second to hold her.
She saw him coming and broke away from Beck to throw herself into his arms. Seth caught her, lifting her off the ground as he clutched her to his chest and buried his face in her neck. She wrapped her arms around him so tightly she nearly crushed him.
Her tears soaked his shirt. “I was worried. He was going to kill you. He said—”
“Shh, angel.” Seth’s voice was raw. “Everything’s okay. You’re safe. I’m safe, and I’ve got you.”
He kissed her—fierce, desperate, claiming, fingers tangling in her hair. She kissed him back just as hard.
When they finally broke apart, both of them gasping, Seth looked up to find his mother standing a few feet away, her face wet with tears of both joy and contrition.
She didn’t hesitate. She threw herself into his arms.
Seth caught her, holding her tight as she sobbed against his chest.
“I’m sorry,” she choked out. “I’m so sorry I made you feel like you couldn’t be honest about who you love.” She pulled back, her hands cupping his face. “Never again. I love you. I fully accept the people you love. I’ll do better. I promise.”
Seth blinked, stunned. “You…you know?”
“Gene outed us,” Heavenly explained. “And I didn’t know if…if—”
They’d make it out alive.
“So I told your mom the truth. I know you wanted to do it, but…”
He brushed pale curls from her mottled cheeks and shook his head with a hint of a smile. “I really didn’t, so thank you.”
His mother gripped his arm, sniffling. “I feel awful that I caused you so much anxiety. I never want you to think I’d stop loving you for following your heart. I don’t care what your love life looks like. If you and Beck are…romantic, that’s okay. Great. I just want—”
“We’re not,” Seth insisted. “We both love Heavenly and want to take care of her…together. That’s it.”
“And that’s wonderful. As long as you’re happy, safe, and alive. Nothing else matters.”
Seth’s chest constricted. He swallowed tightly, his voice rough when he finally spoke. “I’m so damn relieved, Mom. When I thought I had to choose between my heart and your approval, it was killing me. But I chose my heart, because I belong with Heavenly and Beck.”
She nodded, her smile trembling but genuine. “You should choose them. Always.”
Beck slid his good arm around Heavenly’s waist and brushed a kiss across her lips. Then he met Grace’s gaze. “Thank you.”
She looked at him—really looked at him—and after a long moment, she gripped his hand. “No, thank you for trying to protect my feelings.”
Seth exhaled. He couldn’t quite read his mom’s expression, but the weight that had been pressing on his chest for months lifted. Their secret was out. And his mother had accepted them. Deep down, she might not love it. She might be disappointed that they couldn’t get married in the church. But she wasn’t going to disown him or the people he loved.
For now, that was enough.
Carl approached then, extending his hand. Seth shook it, firm, solid.
Then Carl pulled him into a brief embrace. “Thank you for saving my girl.”
Seth smiled, his throat tight. “I told you I would.”
“And I’m eternally grateful.”
A few feet away, his mother caught sight of Matt, who’d barely moved from his post beside Nik, his gun still trained on Gene’s glowering face. Her expression crumpled all over again as she crossed the room to him, arms outstretched.