“Mr. Paulson,” one of the officers greets, voice tight and professional. “A word. In the kitchen.”

“Not until I find out what the hell is going on around here,” Darren bellows. “Is Willa being dramatic again? It’s no secret she and my son don’t get along.”

Disgust ripples through me.

How dare he transform this to make me seem as though I’m a bratty child who’s trying to get her stepbrother in trouble. Blood rushes in my ears, deafening me. I wait for Mom to speak up and defend me.

Nothing.

The officers, however, manage to corral Darren into the kitchen. I’m left feeling hollowed out, once again, by my relationship with my mother. If it weren’t for Spencer on my other side, then I’d feel completely alone.

“Oh, baby girl,” Mom says, her voice cracking. “I am so sorry.”

It’s too late, though.

She’s chosen sides and it’s not mine.

I listen to her assurances and whispered promises but don’t let them infect me like they used to. It’s about time I come to terms with the fact my mom picked Darren over me years ago and she always will.

“I want that sonofabitch out of my house,” Darren barks, reentering from the kitchen. “You Parks are a disease in this town.” He thrusts a finger at Spencer. “I will eradicate each and every one of you.”

“Mr. Paulson,” the male officer warns. “That’s enough.”

“I want him out.” Darren’s features are twisted into a murderous scowl. “Now.”

I give Spencer’s hand a squeeze. His family has done enough for me. It’s time to stand up on my own.

“I’ve got this,” I promise. “Check on Dempsey…” And him.

Spencer kisses the side of my head. “Call me and I’ll be here in minutes. Got it?”

“Thank you.”

He leans in and whispers, “You’re practically family now.”

Words have never sounded sweeter.

As soon as the officers drive away, the temperature of the living room drops several degrees. I refuse to allow Darren to intimidate me. He and his son are in the wrong here, not me.

“Our family is becoming the laughingstock of this town,” Darren bites out as he paces the living room in front of the sofa where me and Mom are still sitting. “I won’t have it.”

“Darren,” Mom starts but snaps her mouth closed when he glowers at her. “I’m sorry.”

I freeze at her apology. She’s sorry? Seriously? All these years, I’ve held in my sadness and feelings of betrayal, but today I’ve had enough. I’m tired of the same old routine. Something has to change.

“No,” I clip out. “You don’t get to apologize to him, Mom. Not now, not ever.”

Silence befalls the room.

“Baby,” Mom murmurs, “please don’t.”