Casey makes me happy. She’s going through so much right now, and it’s all because she told the truth. I want to be with her, to support her. Like Turner’s supporting you with the Holden stuff.”
Cupping one side of the teen’s face, Poppy leaned in. “I am so proud of you, honey.”
“Okay,” Zoey said, bouncing in her seat, no doubt fired up by adrenaline. “So how do we do it? When do I do it? I have to do it today, now.”
“Turner won’t be home until about an hour before dinner. But you could tell your mom and sisters first, if you want.”
Zoey shook her head. “I don’t want it to be like he was left out the loop. Telling him and Mom is the most important… Do you think I should tell them alone or all together?”
“That’s your decision.”
It was difficult. Poppy wanted to support Zoey in her choices, but she didn’t want to lead the youngster down any paths that could make her uncomfortable. Being relaxed would help her confidence, which would make getting the words out easier.
“Faye will be distracted if the kids are there and they might ask like a zillion questions,” Zoey said, squeezing her fingertip as she figured it out. “Maybe I should just tell Mom and Turner by themselves… but I don’t want to have to say it over and over.”
“Stephanie can sit with the kids. Before or after dinner. You can tell your mom and siblings all together.”
She scrunched her face. “You think I should tell the twins with everyone?”
“Again, your choice,” Poppy said, trying her best to ensure Zoey knew she was in control. “But you were their age not so long ago. Do you think you could’ve handled news like this? Did you like it when everyone else seemed to know things and you were left out?”
Advocating for all of the sisters at the same time wasn’t easy. The twins had told her how they felt left out at times. Even Charley had commented on Turner’s bond with their mom and oldest sister. Still, whatever Zoey decided, she’d support her.
Giving her a chance to think, Poppy didn’t say anything. It only took a minute for Zoey’s head to begin to nod slowly.
“We’ll tell them all together. Before dinner… No, after… before… Yes, before,” Zoey said, grabbing for Poppy’s hands. “If we do it before, they have time to process through the meal, right? If I do it after, we could be there all night.”
“Smart,” Poppy said.
Telling them before would give them a time limit, an exit strategy. Zoey could give them the news and then dinner would be announced, which would force an end to the conversation. They’d have dinner to absorb the news and Zoey would have some time to breathe.
The teen groaned. “Oh, but what if they’re mad and then we’re at dinner and they’re shouting at me in front of your family. It would be so embarrassing.” Her face fell to her hands. “This is a nightmare.”
“No, it’s not,” Poppy said, stroking her hair. “I’m so proud of you, honey. So proud.” Zoey peeked up at her, she hunkered lower. “And no one will shout at you. Your mom wouldn’t let them.”
“She never shouts at Turner.”
Widening her smile, Poppy tipped the teen’s chin higher. “If it’s needed, I’ll do the honors, but I promise you, it won’t be needed.”
Sucking in a fortifying breath, Zoey sat up straight, pushing her shoulders back. “Okay, we’re going to do this.”
“Yes, we are,” Poppy said, taking her hand to guide her onto her feet. “I’ll make sure the drawing room is cleared out and we’ll round everyone up once Turner’s home and ready for dinner.”
He liked to shower and change before joining everyone in the evening. Giving him the chance to freshen up would be better than rushing him into the conversation the moment he walked through the door. If there were any negative reactions or questions, he’d want to be around to support Zoey rather than rushing off to get in the shower.
“You’re really good at this,” Zoey said as they started up the stairs. “I’d be totally lost if I didn’t have you.”
“Aww, honey, thank you,” Poppy said, wondering why it wasn’t so easy with her own sisters. “I’m here for whatever you need.”
They got to the top and Zoey hugged her again before hurrying along the corridor in the direction of her bedroom. Sounds carried from the nearby suite that Faye was sharing with the kids. The murmur