Chapter 29

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Abby

Amber: Are you going to tell everyone the truth about you and Rafe?

Me: I don’t know. I want to, but the last thing I need is for West to hate Rafe again.

Amber: Maybe just tell Emmy and Katie first, and then we can figure out how to tell the guys at the right time.

Me: Will there ever be a right time, though? What with the Douchebag’s latest stunt.

Amber: There will be. Once you get to Starry Hills, you’ll see how much this town has your back, Abby. Even old Mrs. Gunner is putting people in their place who try to badmouth you, and she loves gossip.

Me (typed but deleted): For now. But as it gets worse, if the deepfake releases, fewer will stand with me.

Me (actually reply instead): I’ll think about telling Emmy and Katie. But first, I need to face you all and set the facts straight about what happened in San Jose.

Amber: We already know that Travis is full of shit. How much you want to tell us is up to you, but we won’t judge you. We love you, Abby.

Me: Thanks, Amber. I love you all, too. See you soon. heart emoji

A fter I finished walking around the grounds at Lyme Park with Rafe, everything became a blur.

We returned to Manchester, packed, and boarded Nolan’s private plane, all without facing the paparazzi. Something about Rafe’s UK assistant leaking false information to get them to gather elsewhere.

And after drinking copious amounts of vodka on the plane—trying and failing to get the courage needed to watch the rest of the video—I passed out for the remainder of the flight.

Once we reached the airport near Starry Hills, Rafe managed to get me into his car and then into his house, all with me barely awake.

Eventually morning came, and I lingered in bed. Both because my head pounded and because I didn’t want to leave the safety of my room.

However, Rafe eventually knocked on the door and his voice came through the door. “Abby, you need to eat something before we go over to your family’s place. You know you get grumpy when you get hungry.”

I flung my arms to the side and stared at the ceiling. “Can’t we put off seeing my family until tomorrow? I have a hangover and I’m still getting used to the time difference.”

“Can I come in so I don’t have to talk through a door?”

It would be easy to say no, stay right where I was, and be a coward for a little longer.

But I missed my family, my friends, and part of me yearned to finally be free of the secrets I’d been carrying.

Well, most of them. The one about Rafe and my marriage could wait for another day.

After sighing and rubbing my face, I replied, “Fine, come in.”

Rafe entered, carrying a tray. The smell of pancakes and sausage made my stomach growl.

I sat up against the headboard, and he placed the food in front of me. The rose lying at the top of the tray warmed my heart.

Rafe was such a good guy, so sweet, and so different from his playboy image. I was starting to understand just how lonely he must’ve been overseas.

Stop pushing him away. If nothing else, he’s your friend. A sexy friend you dream about riding, but still a friend.

I scooted over a little with the tray and gestured for him to sit next to me. Once he’d settled and leaned against the headboard, his heat and scent wrapped around me, familiar and calming.

He said, “Don’t put off seeing your family, Abby. I did that for nearly ten years with my sister, trying to avoid a much-needed conversation, and it only hurt us both. And yes, I know you wouldn’t wait ten years, but the longer you delay, the longer you have to carry the burden on your shoulders.”

He looked over to meet my gaze, and I took his hand closest to mine and threaded my fingers through his. “I don’t really want to wait. But I’m also afraid of what they’ll think.”

“Don’t be. Like I told you, Emmy said they all can’t wait to see you. And I’m sure they have some sort of group text, like always.”

I’d been putting off reading them, but I wouldn’t any longer, once I was alone again.

He gestured. “Eat, Abigail. It’ll help with your hangover.”

I released his hand and cut into my pancakes. “Thank you, Rafe. For everything.”

“Of course, Abigail. I’ll always be there for you. Always.”

I focused on chewing my food and not looking at Rafe. Because it wouldn’t take much for me to toss the tray to the floor, kiss him, and ask him to make love to me.

Today’s not about your attraction. Get your life straightened out first.

I decided to change the topic. “I just wanted to let you know that I’ll help any way I can with the training center. I’m already thinking of people who might replace me.”

“Replace you?”

“Well, yes. You can’t want me working there now.”

He gently took my chin and turned my head until I looked at him. He said, “The job is still yours. And yes, I talked with Mark about it. He, like most of the town, knows you, Abby, and doesn’t believe some questionable, gossipy content creator. We want the best working for us, which means we want you.”

My eyes heated, and I laughed awkwardly. “How is it that you’re so nice that I want to cry all the time?”

His thumb brushed the tears off my cheek. “I don’t know. I don’t want you to cry. But I cared for you, Abigail Mendoza, even before you became my wife.”

I searched his gaze. “What are you talking about?”

He shrugged one shoulder. “You were my sister’s best friend. And despite how annoying you were back in the day, you had your own kind of charm.”

“Oh, right.” Realizing how disappointed I sounded, I quickly added, “Well, if I’m to eat, shower, and get ready in the next hour and a half, I’d better get started. I’m sure you have some work to do.”

He looked about ready to say something else, but then nodded and slid off the bed. “I need to answer some emails for the training facility, as well as talk to my assistant. I’ll be in my home office, if you need me.”

As soon as the door closed behind him, I mentally scolded myself for chasing him away.

But I pushed that aside. I was going to have to face my family and friends soon, and I need to be ready to answer any questions they asked.

Oh, and think of contingency plans in case my five brothers decided to hop in the pickup truck and go hunting for my bastard ex.

Two hours later, Rafe opened my car door and once I stood, he took my hand in his. He asked, “Ready?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

He walked and tugged me along. But we’d only made it a few steps before the front door opened and Avery came racing toward us.

I barely registered my niece flying toward me before she engulfed me in a hug. I hugged her back and said, “It’s nice to see you too, Avery.”

She replied, “Daddy said you needed a hug.”

I held her tighter. “Thank you. You give the best hugs, after all.”

Wyatt had walked up to us, and after hesitating, joined in the hug.

As I held my niece and nephew, I looked up and saw Aunt Lori standing in the doorway, beckoning us to come in. However, I enjoyed the group embrace a little longer before I found my voice. “Thanks, both of you. I feel much better now.”

They finally released me, and Avery tilted her head. “Daddy said you might be sad, or angry, or both. Although we’re not allowed to ask what’s wrong yet, but you can always tell me. I won’t tell anyone.”

“Thanks, Avery. Maybe later. But first, I need to talk with the adults.”

Avery sighed. “Adults have all the fun.”

Wyatt muttered, “Let’s go, Avery. I want to ride Thunder.”

Avery said, “For now, Wyatt and I are going over to the King’s place to see and ride the horses. But I made cookies for you! And don’t leave before we get back. I want to hear about your trip to England. Do they really all talk funny over there?”

I smiled. “They have accents, yes.” I lowered my voice dramatically. “But some of them are pretty sexy.”

Wyatt rolled his eyes. “I don’t want to hear about sexy anything. Avery already talks too much about Diego at school.”

Avery’s cheeks heated. “I do not!”

“Do too!”

With that, Wyatt raced down the path to the King’s place on the other side of the winery, and Avery chased after him. When we were alone again, Rafe whispered, “I’m glad we can take them out for the day and give them back to my sister and your brother.”

It was on the tip of my tongue to joke about our future kids, but then I remembered we weren’t married for real.

So I grabbed his hand, tugged, and shouted, “Aunt Lori! Rafe would love to answer your questions about James the Goalie.”

Rafe muttered curses, and I bit my lip to keep from laughing.

But Aunt Lori replied, “Maybe later, child. Right now, come in and tell us what’s going on.”

At Aunt Lori’s look, I knew she wouldn’t be distracted. She was determined to find out what had happened, no matter what.

Still, as soon as I reached her, she pulled both Rafe and me into a hug. “Welcome home, you two.” She released us and looked first at Rafe and then me before adding, “Yes, things changed on the trip. I see it.”

I frowned, but Rafe spoke first. “What are you talking about?”

My aunt patted his cheek. “Later. Now, come on. Everyone’s in the living room. We added some more furniture since you were here last, to make sure there are enough seats for everyone.” She lowered her voice. “Including an extra spot for when Zane finds his special someone.”

“What about Zach?”

“Oh, he already knows his and just needs to do something about it.”

Before I could tell her not to meddle—which would fall on deaf ears, but I owed it to Zach to try—we reached the doorway to the living room, and my words died on my tongue.

Everyone was there—all my brothers, plus Sabrina, Emmy, Katie, and Amber. The room erupted into chaos, a mixture of hugs and questions and hands gesticulating wildly.

Aunt Lori’s voice cut through it all. “Quiet down and let Abby talk.”

The room fell silent, and my aunt signaled for everyone to take a seat. I was too worked up to sit, so I paced back and forth as Rafe leaned against the wall. I met his gaze. He nodded at me in encouragement, and I took one last steadying breath before I said, “All of you guessed that something happened to me in San Jose during my student teaching internship. Well, let me start at the beginning…”

Little by little I shared what had happened between Travis and me, from his first flirtations to him asking me to be his girlfriend to him eventually dropping hints about what I should do to please him—with a few things left out since I didn’t want to talk about sex with my brothers.

The more I shared, the more my family and friends clenched their jaws. And once I finally finished telling them about his blackmailing and deepfake videos, the room stayed silent for exactly two seconds before Beck asked, “Why didn’t you tell us about this earlier, Abby? We could’ve helped you. I know I was busy with the business, but I would’ve made time for my little sister.”

I met my second-oldest brother’s gaze. “I was worried about what it might do to the winery. Plus, you were shouldering everything and barely sleeping enough most days. I didn’t want to burden you.”

Zach asked, “And what about me, Abby? You, me, and Zane were a little group growing up. We helped with those assholes in high school, when needed. We could’ve dealt with this little shit, too.”

I went to my brother and took his hand. Zach was the sibling who’d stayed around and been there for me. And yet, I still hadn’t wanted to burden him with it all. Especially since he often acted without thinking, and no matter how good his intentions, I didn’t want him to get arrested because of me. “I didn’t tell anyone, Zach. I’d gotten myself into the mess with Travis, and I’d wanted to get out of it alone. And…”

“And what?” Zach asked.

I looked down. “I was somewhat ashamed of being so stupid.”

Zach shook his head. “You’re one of the smartest people I know, Abby. But sometimes, we don’t see what’s right in front of us until it’s too late.”

I noticed Amber frowning at Zach from the corner of my eye, and I sensed there was a double-meaning there. However, Aunt Lori came to my side and gave me a one-armed hug. She spoke before I could ask Zach any more questions. “We’re here for you, child. When I promised your mother I’d look after you like you were my own, I meant it. We might not share blood, but you’re like a daughter to me, Abby. And I would do anything to help you. I love you, we all do.”

My eyes heated with tears at my aunt’s words. “I know. And I can’t change the past. But that interview is probably only the beginning. Things will get uglier, especially with me now being married to a world-famous soccer player. However, if it ever becomes too much, I’ll understand if you want to step back and distance yourself from me.”

Zach stood up. “No fucking way that’s going to happen.”

West followed suit. “I’m not about to let that asshole win.”

Beck stood too. “The winery is important, but you’re far more important, Abby. And I’m not going anywhere.”

Nolan walked over to me. “I already have people looking into that dick’s background. I’ll do more, whatever you need, just ask.”

Zane managed to get out of his chair, slowly, and nodded. “I still have a lot of contacts in the SEALs and the Navy. I’ll also ask around for anything else he might be hiding.”

Emmy came over and hugged me. “You’re my sister twice over, and I will grab and twist his balls if he ever shows his face in town.”

Katie pumped her fist before saying, “Exactly. I still think we should find him in San Jose, when he least expects it, and show him no one messes with the BFF Circle.”

Amber shook her head. “Let’s not make it obvious. I’m still thinking of how to teach him a lesson without anyone realizing it was us.”

As everyone started talking about plans and who could help, my eyes met Rafe’s. He was still across the room, leaning against the wall, and he smiled and winked at me. I smiled back and gestured for him to come over.

He did, and as he took my hand, I squeezed his and mouthed, “Thank you.”

Confusion flashed in his gaze, and I nearly explained that without his support, his trust, him simply being there for me, I might never have had the courage to face my family this way.

But before I could say anything to him, Aunt Lori produced a whiteboard from who knew where and proceeded to write down everyone in town that was on our side, the allies my family had, and ways we could fight back. Everything from Sabrina’s take on messaging for PR to when Nolan would have background information, to even Zane’s tactical predictions of what might happen next was talked about.

The more they talked, the lighter I felt. Oh, I still had an uphill battle to face, but my friends and family had my back. And just knowing that made it all a little less awful.