So he could stop her? He doubted it.
“He waited until he had somewhere to go. That last fight, where I heard what I thought was your father begging him to fight one more time after a concussion. There was a scout there, someone who offered him a shot at the big-time.”
“Dad begged him to fight after being knocked down?” He’d kill him.
“I thought that was what I heard but I had it wrong. He was trying to get Rake to let him stop the fight but Rake knew the guy was watching him and brushed your father off. Said he was fine. He needed that spot at the gym so he had somewhere to go if he wanted to leave and he knew it was only a matter of time before he’d make his way out of town. If he’d pulled out, the chance would be lost and he wasn’t prepared to let that happen.”
“Are you kidding me? He was concussed and kept fighting?”
“Your brother was very good at covering his feelings. I guess he convinced the doctor that nothing was wrong. And you have to remember, these kinds of injuries weren’t taken that seriously back then. Not like they are now.”
Ethan rubbed his hand over his chin, a new understanding of what happened dawning on him. “So that was one of the things that made you leave too?”
“Yeah. It was the last straw for me. I knew your father wasn’t going to change. What with the way he treated me about the burglary and then what I thought he wanted to do with Rake. I kind of lost it that night.”
“And I wasn’t there for either of you.” He sucked in a deep breath. “I was out with someone else getting drunk and drowning out the little voice in my head that said I’d made the biggest fuck up in my life by dumping you.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
She watched the realization hit him.
“If I’d been there, you might not’ve left.” His mouth opened and closed as he swallowed. “Shit. I could’ve stopped all this from happening if I hadn’t been so damned selfish.”
“No. I doubt it. I couldn’t have stayed any longer. It wasn’t working how I hoped it would. If anything, you would’ve only delayed it.”
He shook his head, stunned at what might have been. “But I would have tried. I would’ve done anything to keep you here. You have to know that.”
Mari put her hand on his arm. “I know you would’ve, Ethan. But what’s done is done and we have to leave that behind us. No good will come of us rehashing everything.” She threaded her fingers through his and squeezed, careful not to touch the cut from earlier. “I wanted to apologize too for kicking you out the other night. I know it was an understandable question but you have to believe me when I say I was offended you’d think I’d stoop so low after making sure the two of you got to know each other. I get where that was coming from but it hurt nonetheless.”
“Yeah. I didn’t mean to but I had to say it out loud.” He glanced at their joined hands. “As soon as I said it I regretted the words but it was hard to stop myself. I love that boy already, you know? I couldn’t bear it if you guys moved on and I lost him so soon.”
That comment had her tearing up. “Noah thinks the world of you.”
“Where is he?”
“Having coffee and cake with your parents. Jeff wanted to meet him. I don’t know if he told you, but we’ve had a couple of really good discussions the last couple of days. Cleared the air between us.”
“I’m pleased about that. I didn’t know he suffered with depression. If I’d known…”
“Yes, I get that but your father would probably see it as a weakness if we found out. I’m surprised he finally told us. If we’d all known lots of things our lives would have been different, but we didn’t so we have to make the best of it.”
He pulled her over to the desk and into his arms. “Were you happy with Rake?”
She looked at the floor. This was no time for untruths or half-truths. “Yes, I was. It wasn’t a head-over-heels kind of love but one built on mutual needs and respect. It grew over time. We were good for each other.”
He nuzzled her neck. “I’m pleased he had you. Gutted he lost us all for a misunderstanding, but you’re right, what’s done is done. It’s time to move forward and do the best we can. Not make the same mistakes again.”
“Well…” She smiled. “I guess we’re on the right track then. We’re talking, telling our truths even though it hurts. The thing is, can we move past it, Ethan? Is it too late for us?”
“Can you forgive me for not being there for you?”
His troubled eyes begged for forgiveness.
“I’d say I already have. We were children. Now we’re different people. If we can trust each other, we can overcome anything.”
“I can’t lose you again. The first time almost killed me. I struggled to get over you. Truth be told, I never really did. I’ll do anything to make it up to you.” He cupped her face in his hands. “Give me that chance, Mari.”
She leaned into him, her lips pressed against his. This was where she belonged. In the arms of the man she left behind in an attempt to find herself. It seemed ironic she had to come back home to feel complete again. His arms went around her, holding her against his chest. She broke the kiss for a much needed breath. Her skin was flushed, her breathing irregular.
“I don’t think I can deny you, Ethan. Even if I wanted to
