“It is. Now. It wasn’t just a few years ago when it was me in your place. I was a successful vascular surgeon, Tate! I had a good family who loved me, privilege, all the advantages in life and I ended up with a man who raped me and tried to kill me. I didn’t deserve love. I didn’t deserve a man like Shane. I didn’t want a bossy, pushy control-freak cop who barely fits through doorways without having to turn to the side.”

Tate couldn’t help but laugh.

“I know. He’s huge. Heh, yeah, that way too. But I digress. Listen, you, Polly is on the case so just give in. The woman will stop at nothing, you do know that? Matt loves you, you love him. He wants you and she’ll stop at nothing until she helps him get you. And since you want him too, why fight it? Stop letting your father control you. Stop going over there. If neighbors call, call the damned police. I promise you your father won’t be shoving Shane around. You are not responsible for your mother and the life she’s created for herself. You are not responsible for your father’s pain that you’re not his. It is not his right to harm you. Stop letting him control you. It’s the only way you’re going to heal and be free of it. And your siblings will follow your lead. They look to you for guidance.”

“I have to eat with them at least once a year. For Jacob and Jill’s loan stuff.”

“Fuck that. Come on, Tate. Look, there are six of you and all the Chases too, we can come up with alternatives. It’s one year. Don’t let him control you this way. Let the people who love you help.”

Could she believe it? Grasp the hope that she could have a normal relationship with Matt?

Matt tapped on the door, poking his head in. Seeing the state Tate was in, he rushed to her bedside, alarmed.

“Honey? Cassie, what did you do?”

“She just helped me. It’s okay. Really.”

“You’re feeling better?”

“No. I have a horrible crying headache to go along with the concussion headache. My messed up childhood has been exposed to my boyfriend and his family without my permission and I’ve had a very emotional discussion with someone who knows where I’ve been. But I only have up to go, there’s no more down at this point.”

Cassie got up, hugging Tate carefully. “Please, give me a call or stop in at the bookstore if you want to talk. I’m trained as a victim’s advocate but more than that, I’m your friend. I like you, Tate. You have excellent taste in shoes, I’m not sure if I told you that before or not.”

Tate smiled. “Thanks. For everything.”

“That’s what friends, and family, are for.” Cassie kissed Matt’s cheek and headed for the door as Jacob and Jill burst in.

“Easy!” Matt grabbed Jacob before he jostled Tate.

Jacob winced. “Sorry. You okay? Tateness, I told you to stop going over there. Let the cops sort them out.” Jacob kissed her forehead gently and Jill moved around to the other side, taking Tate’s hand.

“If you just let them kill each other, we’d all be better off anyway,” Jill mumbled.

Tate sighed. “Don’t. Don’t let them make you bitter. You’re better than that. Now what on earth are you doing here? Jill, I know you had plans today with that new guy you’re seeing.”

“Shut up! My God, Tate, he could have killed you. You think making out and watching fireworks is more important to me than you are?” Jill looked offended but Tate saw the tremble in her bottom lip and knew she was about to lose it.

“I do think it’s more important, Jill. Yes, I do. Damn it, they’ve disrupted our lives enough. I don’t want him to do it anymore. Now get your butts back to Atlanta. Make out, watch fireworks. Use a condom!”

“I don’t need a condom to kiss for cripes’ sake! I’ve only known him a few weeks, he’s not getting any just yet.”

“Enough information, thank you very much. Tate, you’re out of your mind if you think Jill and I are leaving before you get home from the hospital.” Jacob crossed his arms over his chest and glared.

The nurse came in and frowned. “Too many guests. She needs to rest and you all need to let her.”

“I’m staying.” Matt stayed at her side.

Tate looked up at him and wondered why his voice sounded that way. Was he trying to be alone to dump her? That was probably it. Loving a woman with some family problems was one thing, now that he knew the whole story surely he’d see how impossible it was for them to be together.

“Go on, guys. I need to talk to Matt and then I need to nap. You have the key to my place. There are leftovers in my fridge and clean bedding in the guestroom.”

Jill kissed her cheek. “We’ll get it ready for you to come home to. I’ll stop by the library to grab you some books.”

Jacob followed, kissing the other cheek. “We’ll be back tonight. Rest. Love you.”

“Love you both too.”

They left and Matt settled into the chair next to the bed. Reaching out, she touched the softness of his hair for a moment and he leaned into her hand.

“They told you about my father.”

He nodded. “Yes. God, Tate I don’t know what to say it’s so awful. I’m just relieved you’re all right.”

A tear rolled down her cheek. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know how to tell you, it was embarrassing. You…you don’t have to stay here anymore. I understand.”