Patrick walked toward me. He stared at my retreating figure for a long moment, then reached out to touch my hair. I stepped away before his fingers made contact.
His hand froze in midair.
"That room was always meant for a child. You'll be the baby's mother. We'll always be together. No one could ever replace you."
I let out a quiet laugh. "Fine."
Patrick blinked. He'd been trying to make amends for two days straight, yet I remained just as cold.
Impatience crept into his voice. "Think it over carefully!"
The doorbell rang. It was my brother, Carl Fox.
He walked in frowning and headed straight for Patrick.
"I told you not to bring June and the baby here."
Then his gaze shifted to me, sharp and wary.
"You haven't been bullying June and the baby, have you?"
Before I could say a word, Patrick shook his head firmly.
"As long as I'm here, June and the baby won't be hurt in the slightest."
Hearing the commotion, June came out and threw herself into Carl's arms.
His expression softened instantly.
"If anyone's giving you a hard time, just say the word. Mom, Dad, and I will always have your back."
June shook her head, the picture of wounded innocence.