Always Read Free Page B

when your child is in double digits.”
    She laughed while her sister-in-law ranted. “Oh come on, Susan. I agree time has flown by, but you’re still a beautiful woman, always have been. I envy the family you have, and Dylan won’t be ten for another two years, so I think you’re jumping the gun there. You’re only a year older than me, and twenty-nine hardly qualifies you as old, geez.”
    “Thanks, Teeg. I’m so glad you’re back.”
    “So am I, Suzy Q. So am I. Leaving Oliver and coming home is the best thing I’ve done for myself in years. I’m looking forward to moving on.”
    “James and I were so worried. I swear, had we known sooner, James would have kicked his ass and got you out of there.”
    Teegan could feel her eyes begin to gloss over, and her throat felt thick. Please don’t cry, please don’t cry. “I know, hon, but I was ashamed to tell anyone. I thought he loved me. Hell, I thought I loved him.”
    Shutting her family out had been stupid. The last time she’d seen James was two years ago at Welland County General when Oliver had cracked her ribs and broken her nose. James had been her emergency contact and rushed from Digby all the way to Ontario in a panic. Teegan had made a lame excuse about falling down the stairs, but he hadn’t believed her. Instead, he’d read her like an open book again. He’d wanted to meet up with Oliver right then to give him a taste of his own medicine, but she hadn’t let him. They’d argued, he took off angry, and things were left unsettled.
    “Does James forgive me?”
    “Don’t be silly. Of course he does. I just hope he never crosses paths with Oliver in this lifetime. It won’t matter how much time has passed. James has his heart set on getting a little justice for what that man did to you.”
    Teegan nodded, not sure if she could speak without crying. She had a lot of regrets and needed a subject change. “So where did you say my nephews were?”
     
    ***
     
    Three-year-old Carter looked like a little angel curled up on his big-boy bed.
    “I swear if I let him sleep more than two hours, he won’t go to bed at night. Come on, sweetie.” Susan patted his bum. “It’s time to meet your Aunty Teegan.”
    Carter stirred but wasn’t in a rush to awaken. His eyes fluttered open and closed a few times, and then he stretched.
    “Hi, Carter, it’s so nice to finally meet you.” The sound of Teegan’s voice seemed to snap him to attention. His eyes opened wide, and he looked around the room, first at his mother and then settling his gaze on his aunt. He got up and raised his arms and smiled. Carter seemed a little braver when he was securely in his mother’s arms, so she spoke again.
    “He’s beautiful, Susan.” Teegan placed her hands over her heart. “You and James are so blessed. I can only hope to be as lucky as the two of you are someday.”
    She’d always wanted to be a mother, no matter how farfetched the possibility seemed to be. First and foremost, though, she needed to get settled, and then maybe, just maybe, if she found a good man she’d be able to accomplish it. For now, she’d just have to spoil her gorgeous nephews.
    “Hi, handsome, I’m your Aunt Teeg.” She touched the side of his face and received her first smile from him. “Now that’s James right there.” She laughed. “The little guy is a flirt already. Aren’t you, handsome? I think you are. Yes.” Teegan held out her hands and almost squealed with delight when Carter reached for her. “I just love you to pieces.” She tucked his head under her chin and mouthed, “I envy you,” to her smiling sister-in-law.
     
    ***
     
    “Susan?” James hollered. “Honey, I’m home. Teegan should be here any second. Did you get everything ready?”
    “She sure did.” Teegan stood in the living room with Carter on her hip. Susan had seen James’ truck down the street and decided to go get Dylan and leave her to greet her brother.
    “Teeg?” James’ eyes widened