Out Through the in Door (7 page)

             
“I wish it was that simple.” I looked at him and for first time I felt the fear of loss.
             
“You make everything complicated. You hide behind it.”
             
“Because...”
             
“Because you love us?” he finished. “Because it's too late to become uninvolved? Because you see love as a weapon? As a means to get hurt? It's what your last relationship did to you. But here's the rub, if love is used like that, it is really love at all?”
             
I loved Joe and Kylie and Liam. It was immutable and singular. And terrifying. I understood now why it was called a blended family – everything was mixed up. 
             
I clenched my jaw to hold back the tears. I tried to turn away but it was too late. Walter ran past us –  his tail whirling around so fast I expected him to lift off like a
helicopter. Kylie followed behind with his leash trying to catch him. Liam stood in the doorway grinning.
             
Joe looked at me and saw my tears. Before the words even formed on his lips, I kissed him.

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