Ride With Me (Paige and Jace) novel Chapter 258

CHAPTER 149-1

The clubhouse had become unusually quiet by Sunday afternoon, because most of the members had returned to their normal routines after yesterday’s family ride and the children were outside playing while the women prepared dinner.

I was sitting on the back steps with a cup of coffee when Charlotte appeared in the doorway.

She hesitated before stepping outside, and I could tell from the way she kept twisting her fingers together that she had something she wanted to say.

“Can we talk?” She asked and I looked up at her.

“Sure.” I said.

She came down the steps and sat several feet away from me, because she clearly understood that I was not ready to have her sitting beside me.

For a moment, neither of us spoke and then Charlotte took a slow breath.

“I have been thinking about what you said.” She said.

“Which part?” I asked.

“The part about telling the truth, even when it makes me look bad.” She said and I nodded.

“I meant it.” I said.

“I know.” She said.

She looked toward the yard where the children were playing.

“I have spent years making excuses for myself, and I think I finally understand why.” She said as I waited.

“I liked being the person Dad believed.” She admitted as her voice was quiet.

“I liked knowing that if you and I disagreed, he would believe me first.” She added as I looked down at my coffee.

“That hurt.” I said.

“I know.” She said.

“You made me feel like I was the problem in my own family.” I said and Charlotte’s eyes filled with tears.

“I know. I can’t change that.” She said as she wiped them away before continuing.

“No.” I said.

“But I can stop making excuses for it.” She said as I looked at her.

“That matters.” I said and she nodded.

“I am sorry.” She said.

CHAPTER14+

The words were simple, but this time they sounded different.

There was no attempt to explain herself, and there was no request for immediate forgiveness.

“I am sorry for every lie, every time I twisted something you said, and every time I made Dad believe you were the one causing problems.” She said and I swallowed.

“Thank you for saying it.” I said as Charlotte looked at me.

“Do you forgive me?” She asked and I took a moment before answering.

“I’m working toward forgiveness, but forgiveness and trust are different things,” I said and she nodded.

“I understand.” She said.

“I can’t erase twenty years overnight.” I said.

“I know.” She said.

“You can’t apologize today and expect everything to feel normal tomorrow.” I said.

“I don’t expect that.” She said.

“Good.” I said and Charlotte looked toward the clubhouse.

“I want to prove that I have changed.” She said as I studied her carefully.

“Then you have to do it without expecting anything from me.” I said and she nodded.

“I can do that.” She said.

“You also need to tell Jace everything you know about Victor.” I said.

“I will.” She said.

“Even if it makes you look guilty?” I asked as she hesitated.

“Even then.” She said and I nodded slowly.

“Then I will give you a chance.” I said and Charlotte looked at me.

“A chance?” She asked.

“A chance to prove that you mean what you are saying.” I said and tears filled her eyes again.

“Thank you.” She said as I raised a hand.

“Don’t thank me yet.” I said and she gave a small, sad smile.

“I know.” She said.

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