way to make things up to you in some way. I didn’t want to do this today, but I went to my boss and applied for a promotion that I deserve but probably would have gone to someone else because I tend to think everything will be handed to me, and that’s not how things really work.”
Sierra had pointed that out to her.
“I told my boss that I deserved that position. I’d earned it. I did half the work already without being paid.” Heather stared down at the table, then met Sierra’s gaze again. “I want to provide for my daughter and give her the best life I can. I want her to know that I worked hard to better myself. And I’m working on it.”
“What does this have to do with us?”
“I want you to know I’m working on being a better me. And that starts with standing on my own two feet, taking responsibility for what I’ve done, and finding a way to pay you back for the money David gave me. So I got the promotion I deserved and the raise that goes with it, so I could get a loan to pay you back half the money David gave me.” She shrugged. “I didn’t do it for the whole amount because I believe David should support his daughter.”
Sierra reluctantly agreed with that.
“I’ll get the check to you this week. I didn’t know he took out the loan. I didn’t really think about him taking money away from you and the kids.” Heather sighed, her eyes filled with regret. “Let’s face it, I tried really hard not to think about you.”
Sierra appreciated the honesty, even though it stung.
Heather kept going. “I will never be able to apologize enough or make this right, but if you’re willing to set this aside, at least for the kids, then I’ll follow your lead on how you want to handle getting them together and how and when we tell them the truth.”
“Hallee is too young to understand. The boys might get the concept, but they’re still too young to grasp the gravity of what having a sister means. Maybe when Hallee is old enough to understand the concept of siblings we’ll tell them. Until then, let’s stop rehashing what happened and live in the moment. We can be civil. Who knows, maybe one day we can even be friends again.”
Heather pressed her lips together, eyes watery, and nodded. “Thank you. It’s more than I deserve.”
“No more talk like that, either. All the energy I poured into being angry, all the energy you put into thrashing yourself over this, it’s not good for either of us.”
“Why are you doing this now? Or at all?”
“I’m about to get married to a man I really, really love. I have a chance to have the life I always wanted with a man who only wants to love me back and make me happy. The last thing I want to do is carry this with me and let it drag my heart down. I don’t want to carry this weight with me into something that is so . . . perfect.”
Heather gave her a sad smile. “I’m happy for you.”
Sierra stood and stared down at her sister and gave her the truth. “I hope one day I’ll be happy for you, too.” She turned to go and spotted the kids playing Duck, Duck, Goose on the lawn. She smiled when Oliver goosed Hallee and the little one jumped up and tried her best to chase Oliver, who was faster and steadier on his legs than the toddler. Hallee lost, but the sweet grin on her face said she didn’t care. She started around the circle of kids, touching each of their heads, saying Duck each time.
Sierra hadn’t put a lot of thought into the wedding details, but one thing she absolutely wanted was all the kids to participate. Danny and Oliver would share the duty as best man to Mason. She’d ask Amy to be her matron of honor. But Emma and Hallee would be adorable flower girls. P.J., though older than the rest of them, would still make a great ring bearer.
She turned back and found Heather staring at the kids, too, a single tear rolling down her cheek.
“I’d love it if Hallee was a flower girl in my wedding.”
Heather’s surprised gaze shot to hers and she gasped.
“I’ll get her a pretty dress. All the kids will be included.”