Page 104 of Fight

“Scottie has always cared for you as you are, that doesn't change. From where I stand, she’s your real family, so what are you really going back to?”

He draws in a breath, releasing it before speaking. “Iunderstand our relationship is hard for most people to understand, but I just need to get her back until things calm down. After that, we can leave together?—”

“No.” My tone is sharp. “She gave you that opportunity months ago, you didn’t take it. You may not like the sound of this, but Scottie is not leaving Sky Ridge. She’s not safe with The Fold. She may be too fucking selfless to guard the home she’s found here, but I’m not.”

He scoffs, dropping his arms and looking away.

“Scottie lives in Sky Ridge, and Scottie’s all you have. You deserve a life as much as she does, so maybe it’s time to come to her. We will support you while you make your separation from the church and help you get established out here, but you can’t expect her to do all the work. It’s going to take effort from you too. She’s fought too hard to get to where she is.”

“I would be risking everything if I left.”

“She’d be risking everything if she went back. You have the chance at a real start here.Take it.”

Jonathan stands and paces as he runs his hands through his hair. He pauses, glaring at me.

I shrug. “Aren’t you tired of feeling trapped? I’m not telling you to come out, that’s on your own time, but I am asking you to at least honor her request for a divorce before you leave town.”

“I don’t understand what the rush is?—”

“Because I can’t marry her until you divorce her,” I spit out, jabbing a finger to my chest. The words catch me off guard, but now that they’re out in the open, I don’t regret them. It’s the truth.

“She’s stillmywife, this is a discussion she and I should be having privately. Our faith doesn’t concern you.”

I bark out a laugh. He can’t be serious. When her faith becomes something she needs to be protected from, it’s of my concern. And referring to Scottie as his wife triggers something inside me, so I raise my voice. “And what’s in thebest interest of yourwife, huh? What about whatshewants? What abouthersafety? If you want to play the husband card, then act like one! Stop being a coward and protecther, because from where I stand, I’m doing a better job than you are.”

He doesn't deserve her.

I exhale some of my anger and calm my demeanor. “Do what’s best for her,” I plead. “Let her go.”

The silence between us is deafening while we stare each other down, and his jaw tics.

He crosses his arms in front of his chest. “I need to think about it.”

I speak my next words clearly. “Here’s what you need to think about: I’m offering you a chance to start over, and that offer has an expiration. I don’t want to make an enemy out of you, it’s obvious you’re an important person to the woman I love, but I will bring hell to your doorstep if you fight me on this.”

He smirks. “Is that a threat?”

“It’s a promise.” I straighten. “You will not be leaving with Scottie. She’s staying in Sky Ridge.”

My anger has reduced to a simmer by the time I’m walking down the aisles of the grocery store with my sister. I had to get some of this shit off my chest, but I also had to restock my fridge and pantry. Since I never got around to calling her yesterday, I figured I could make it up to her now. It’s been a lot to catch up on. She’s still reeling from the whole thing with Jonathan when I drop another bomb on her.

She grabs the side of my cart, stopping it in the middle of the aisle. “You told her you loved her?!”

“Yeah.”

Her eyes widen, and she grips my arm. “Did she say it back?”

A small grin creeps onto my face. “She did.”

Teddy slaps my shoulder. “Oh my God. This is like serious-serious. And now she’s staying with you? Do you think it’s too fast?”

I shake my head. “I know how it looks from the outside, but it doesn’t feel rushed.”

Her smile grows. “That’s really great. I’m happy for you, Cal. You needed this.”

I neededher.“Thanks,” I say, pushing the cart forward again. “I’m thinking of making her that garlic chicken thing we used to have.”

“Nice. I just made it last week for Logan and the kids.”