Page 101 of Sugar & Shadows

As I bawled in her arms, it hit me. I’d spent years bemoaning my lack of privilege. Focusing on all the difficulties that had come with my childhood.

But what if I’d had the secret weapon all this time?

What if a badass mom who loved me wildly and unconditionally every day of my life was enough?

“Mom,” I said through sniffles. “I love you so much. Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For loving me so hard and so much every day.” I wiped at my damp cheeks. “I’ve woken up every day of my life feeling completely certain of your love for me. You show up every time. There is nothing you won’t do. I could call you in the middle of the night and ask to borrow money, bake a cake, or hide a body, and you’d instantly say yes.”

“Of course I would. You’re my girl. The day I gave birth to you, I looked into your eyes and finally understood my purpose. The greatest thing I was supposed to do with this life. I had to be your mom and do the best I could. I didn’t always succeed.” She ducked, fiddling with the comforter. “And there were some low points, but regardless of how old you are, I’m your mom, and that will never change.”

I cried harder. Things hadn’t been easy or simple. But she’d loved me with everything she had. “You gave me possibility,” I explained. “Confidence and courage. And support for my wildest dreams. I think that’s why I’ve accomplished all the things I have.”

“You did it all on your own,” she said. “But I’ve never doubted you. And whatever you decide about this baby, you’ll be okay. You will succeed.”

“You know not to wave a red flag in front of a type-A bull.” I giggled.

“I’d never ask you to raise a child you didn’t want. But…” She sighed. “I also know what my daughter is like when she sets her mind to something.”

“And you’ll be with me every minute.”

“Damn right I will, kid.”

Lying back, I stared out the window where the sun was beginning to rise.

And I knew. I was keeping this baby.

Fuck, that meant I had to talk to Gabe.

Chapter 26

Gabe

My head pounded as I reached for my phone. When my wrist hit the coffee table, the pain radiated up my arm. “Shit.” Fumbling, I finally found the damn thing and squinted at the screen. It was almost nine. Damn. I’d fallen asleep on the couch and slept late again.

The pounding started up again, though this time I realized it wasn’t in my head but at the front door. It was probably Logan trying to drag me out on a run or get me to adopt a litter of kittens.

“I know you’re in there,” a familiar female voice yelled.

Oh shit.

I hauled myself up, stumbling and blinking. It was still relatively dark in here, and my eyes didn’t seem to want to open completely yet.

The instant the lock clicked, the door flung open, sending me staggering back, and slammed into the wall.

Confusion rushed through me. “Sabrina?”

She launched herself at me. Was this a dream?

Okay, no. It wasn’t. Because she clutched my arm, her nails digging into me, and shook me violently. Fair enough. Nightmare, then.

“You motherfucker. You did this to me.”

I sucked in a breath and held up my free hand. “Okay.”

“Don’t okay me.” She shoved me hard, sending me tripping backward again. “Not after what you’ve done.”