Constantine’s voice broke through my spiraling thoughts. “No, definitely don’t tell Ma why we’re coming. Make something up.” He ended the call and shoved his phone in his pocket.

I inhaled shakily. “Change of plans?”

He nodded. “Change of plans.”

Colin, still dazed, lifted his head. “There’s blood on your sister’s shirt. I’m sorry.”

Constantine glanced back at me, his voice softening in contrast to how he’d spoken on the phone. “It’ll come out.”

But I wasn’t so sure anything from today would wash away.

Colin lifted his head, dragging a shaky hand down his face before meeting my gaze with watery eyes. “You could’ve died because of me. I’m so sorry, Mom.” He blinked back more tears and turned to his father. “And you could have, too. I’d have lost you all over again.”

Like that, my mind fell into that dark place where Colin could spend the rest of his life without his father because of Constantine’s “this is what I do” life.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Constantine said firmly, adjusting the rearview mirror to catch his eyes. “I promise you’re not losing either of us.”

How can you make that promise?

Colin exhaled. “I never really thought anything I did was all that dangerous. You know, hanging out with Jamie and those guys. Even after what I saw you do at the rave and everything you warned me about yesterday . . . it never sunk in. Not until now.”

I pulled him closer, pressing his head to my chest, trying to steady him.

“I didn’t know you were my dad at the rave, so it just, well, hit differently compared to what went down in the garage.”

“You’re both okay. That’s all that matters.” At a red light, he turned in his seat, eyes locked on our son. “You had my back. You helped me handle that guy. You kept your mother safe. Me safe, too.” His nostrils flared, conviction thick in his voice. “Hey, look at me.”

Colin hesitated, then did as he asked. My heart could only handle so much.

“You’re my son, you got that?” His voice was raw that time. No longer measured and calm but full of emotion. “We made a good team back there. Not that I ever want you fighting alongside me again, but I’m damn proud of you.” He reached back, cupping his chin. “And your mom was ready to go after those men to protect you.” His eyes flicked to mine, something deep and unshakeable passing between us before he turned back to Colin. “You’re the best of us.”

The weight of his words hit, breaking something loose inside me. That dark place faded, replaced by one thought, one feeling: family.

“We’re stronger together than apart,” I murmured.

Colin shuddered against me, probably as choked up as I was.

Constantine nodded, facing forward as the light turned green.