Part Seventy-One

Kelley stood in the foyer of his own house and listened to the argument in full swing in the sitting room. Grace’s body was clutched tight against his with her arms around his neck. She hadn’t let go once and even in the car he’d had to sit in the back seat with her clinging to him.

“He’s so big into family and caring for everyone but he couldn’t even be bothered to show up to Blain’s funeral!” David yelled.

“I’m sure he had his reasons,” Lee said in an even tone.

“I don’t care about his reasons!”

Footsteps were muffled by the thick carpet. “I don’t have time for this shit. If you don’t want to be a part of this family, then leave, David,” Mason said angrily.

He stopped short in the foyer and Kelley smiled at him as his eyes widened. He nudged Grace in his arms and she turned her head to look at him. “Daddy?”

“Gracie,” Mason breathed as Kelley put her down on the floor.

Mason sank to his knees as Grace ran toward him. Tears flowed unashamedly down his cheeks as he grabbed her and one