Bella's POV
The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife as I turned to face Parker on the deserted road where we had pulled over to talk.
"What exactly was that supposed to accomplish, Parker?" My voice carried more edge than I intended, but I was beyond caring about pleasantries.
Our cars sat parked on the abandoned stretch of asphalt, engines cooling in the afternoon heat. Through the windows of Hugo's vehicle, I could see my two children absorbed in their tablets, the soft glow of screens keeping them occupied while the adults sorted through this mess.
Tara remained in Parker's car, isolated from the kids who still refused to warm up to her presence. The arrangement twisted something painful in my chest, but I couldn't force my children to embrace someone they feared. Their comfort came first, even if it meant these awkward separations.
