It hurt, Christ did it hurt, but now she knew the truth. But truth or no truth, Wren was still her son and she’d protect his memory till her dying breath. She drove home and sat in the car for a few moments, collecting herself. She looked at herself in the rear-view mirror. Eyes hollow and dry lips set in a thin line, a mask of rage on her face. She tried to calm down, but she was in shock. Her Wren had never existed, or if he did, the goodness had been burned out of him long ago.

She walked through the back door through the kitchen and into the lounge room. Billy and Ty were sitting on the couch watching TV.

Billy looked up at her, seeing the weird look in her eyes, the paleness of her face. ‘Ness, you OK?’

Ty looked up too.

‘Billy, I’m sorry.’

‘What for?’ he asked tentatively.

‘For the way I’ve acted. You’ve been nothing but patient with me. Please don’t leave me.’

He stood up and hugged her to him, crushed her to him really. ‘I’m not going anywhere. Right, Ty?’

‘Right.’ Ty came over to hug her, but she stopped him. Vanessa got on her knees in front of him and gently grasped his arms. ‘I owe you the biggest apology of all. I haven’t been there for you when you needed me. You lost Wren too.’ She swallowed hard at the mention of his name. ‘I want you to know that I will always protect you, no matter what you do.’ She gently hugged him and felt the tears well up within her, spilling down her cheeks. She sobbed; her head bent. Billy grasped her under her arms, lifted her up and wrapped his strong arms around the two of them.

It was finally over.

Acknowledgments

I’d like to thank my mum, for always supporting me no matter what, for showing me how to be a strong female and for teaching me the lessons of compassion and empathy.

To my family and friends who have supported not only my writing career but me in general. I know I can be an intense handful at times, your love means so much to me. I don’t know where I’d be without it.

To my wonderful betas, I appreciate you more than you know, you are an awesome bunch.

I’d also like to thank the team at Boldwood Books for taking a chance on me and my book, Amanda, Nia, Sarah, thank you so much. As well as Rebecca and Candida, thank you for polishing my baby. You’ve all played an important role in getting me to where I am today, and I appreciate the heck out of you.