With a shuddering sigh, Megan drew back, ran her hands over Kevin's face.
You're
all right? You're not hurt?
Nuh-uh.
It embarrassed him that he'd cried is front of his brother and sister. After all, he was nearly nine.
I'm okay.
Don't you
ever
do that again.
The swift change from weeping mother to fierce parent had Nathaniel's brows rising.
You had us all worried sick, young man.
We've been looking for you for hours, even Aunt Colleen. We've called the police.
I'm sorry.
But the thrill of knowing the police had been alerted overpowered the guilt.
Sorry isn't enough, Kevin Michael O'Riley.
Kevin's gaze hit the ground. It was big-time trouble when she used all his names.
I
won't ever do it again. I promise.
You had no business doing it this time. I'm supposed to be able to trust you, and nowOh.
On another hitching sob, she pressed his head to her breast.
I was so
scared, baby. I love you so much. Where were you going?
I don't know. Maybe Grandma's.
Grandma's.
She sat back on her heels and sighed.
Don't you like it here?
I like it best of anything.
Then why did you run away, Kevin? Are you mad at me?
He shook his head, then dropped his chin on his chest.
I thought you and Nate
were mad at me because he got beat up. But Nate says it's not my fault and you're not mad. He says it doesn't matter about him.
You're not mad at me, are you?
Her horrified eyes flew to Nate's, held there as she drew Kevin close again.
Oh, no,
baby, I'm not. No one is.
She looked at her son again, cupping his face in her hands.
Remember when I told you that sometimes people can't be together? I should explain that sometimes they shouldn't be together. That's the way it was with me and
She couldn't refer to him as Kevin's father.
With me and Baxter.
But I was an accident.
Oh, no.
She smiled then, kissed his cheeks.
An accident's something you wish
hadn't happened. You were a gift. The best one I ever had in my life. If you ever think I don't want you again, I guess I'll have to stuff you into a box and tie it up with a bow so you'll get the point.
He giggled.
I'm sorry.
Me too. Now let's go get you cleaned up.
She rose, gripped her son's hand in hers and looked at Nathaniel.
Thank you.