Chapter 175

Almara’s Pov

Laying low only works when we stay confined to the house. Which I was happy to do for a couple of days. Those first two days were bliss. Just Arthur and I raising Grace, loving on one another, lazy mornings followed by peaceful evenings.

But now, by the third day after that public announcement, my skin is starting to crawl.

Unfortunately, any time Arthur and I would leave the house to take Grace for a walk or get a cup of coffee, we would be bombarded by the press or at the very least still be subject to open judgment from the general public.

Everyone was taking a very keen interest in what the Hurricane Pack does as a regular, normal pack which is making the experience anything but normal. So, when Arthur requested we stay at my parents I was thrilled- unlike last time.

We’re ten minutes away from my parents' house, nearing Grace's old nursery which unfortunately is twisting my stomach into knots. Thankfully, Arthur doesn’t comment when we pass by it.

“Now remember,” I start, “my parents want to see that me and Grace are taken care of.” Arthur nods.

“Right. Taken care of, but not spoiled.” He mentions and I consider his point.

“It’s a fine line.” I agree. Arthur then leans in and takes my hand.

“Look, your parents loved me the night that our first wedding crashed and burned. I can make them love me again.” He says with his usual air of confidence and it’s hard not to believe him.

“I know they will.” I say. Though as we pull up to the driveway, I wonder if we’re making a mistake.

My worries dissipate as my parents open the front door before Arthur and I even fully make it out of the cab with Grace and our luggage. They come running to greet us and help us carry in our stuff.

“We were so happy to receive your call.” My mother says, smiling ear to ear. It’s the kind of smile that’s contagious.

“When you made that announcement about stepping out of the public eye, we just had a feeling you would call.” My father says. “All the furs on my back started standing up. A father knows when his family is calling. Isn’t that right, Arthur?” My father says with a slap on Arthur’s back.

“Absolutely, Sir.” Arthur says and gives me a wink that no one else sees.

It’s late afternoon by the time we’re settled into my old bedroom with our luggage somewhat organized and put into a functional spot. It’s a small room with tight space even without the oversized bags, but we’ll have to make do.

The journey from the travel has knocked Grace out. She’s sleeping soundly and she makes my full-sized bed look like a king with her small body resting upon it. She’ll probably struggle to sleep through the night if I let her sleep much longer, but I don’t feel like dealing with her fussing right now. I’m pretty exhausted myself.

We meet my parents back downstairs just as the late afternoon sun streaks through the back windows, setting the whole living room a warm golden aglow.

“Tea?” My mother asks already pouring hot water from a kettle into a small tea cup.

“Please.” Arthur says and goes to help. I sink into the worn-out couch and the first thing I think of is perhaps buying my parents a new, nicer sofa. This one sinks so low under my weight that I think I can feel the seat beneath the cushion.

I dismiss the thought, mostly because stepping out of the limelight and living among lower ranks means not unnecessarily spending a ton of money- even if the couch is old. Also, I don’t think financially it would be smart.

The funds for the sports company are still taking a hit and while we’re nowhere near poor, there’s no need to add to the financial dip.

Arthur comes to sit next to me and I stifle a laugh as he sinks much lower than he expected and nearly spills the hot tea on himself.

“So,” My mother says, raising the tea glass to her lips. “What happened with the orphanage.” I sigh, I really don’t want to talk about this now but my parents have a right to know. They’re letting us stay with them after all.

Arthur puts the tea on the side table and looks my parents in the eyes. “You want the whole truth?” He asks and my heart flutters. Is he really going to tell them? I highly doubt this is the type of confession that’s going to make my parents see Arthur in a more positive light

My parents nod, leaning is closer as they await what Arthur is going to say. I find myself also drawn in, not because I don’t know the story but because I want to know how this is all going to play out.

Arthur tells them everything. His reasons for allowing the attorney to smoke, our psycho therapist, the story the press was told. Most of all, he tells them that he isn’t sorry for it, and that he would do it again even after seeing the consequences.

I half expect my parents to tell us to go pack our things and call the driver, but instead, they just lean back in their seats and nod in understanding.

“That’s a good man.” My father says and my mother gives a sound of agreement. I have to pull my jaw closed, because what? Even Lily’s ears perk up and she cocks her head to the side.

“But-” I stammer. “I thought you would be so convinced that what Arthur did was dangerous.”

“Arthur didn’t do anything but ensure no one was in the building and that he would get his daughter back.” My father points out. “It shows how far he’ll go to keep his family together and I can respect that.”

“What he did was brave. He risked everything so his family could stay together.” My mother says in a softer tone and then with a chuckle adds, “Truly what could be more romantic?”

I let out my own laugh. I guess I’ll never fully understand my parents the way I thought I did. I keep laughing, unable to stop. The exhaustion of the day, the stress just melting off and it feels so good. Arthur joins me and before I know it, we’re all laughing in spite of ourselves.

When the laughter dies down, I feel refreshed. Though I know this won’t last forever. Eventually, Arthur and I are going to have to return to our lives and continue dealing with the consequences of our actions.

At least for tonight, we don’t have to. Tonight, we can laugh and sleep. We can avoid scrutiny and tip-toeing around my parents with the truth. It almost makes me want to share with them everything that’s happened, but that could just be the delirium of the recent events. So, I don’t.

Perhaps in time, everything will come to light because in time the truth always gets out. Thankfully, that time isn’t now.