Page 30 of Coming Up Roses

“I get what you’re saying. I do. But that’s just not gonna happen. She deserves better, and that’s just not me,” I tell him right as Paige walks back into the room, the front of her outfit sopping wet from giving the boys their bath.

“What’s not you, Cash?”

“Nothing!” Jake scrambles up off the chair he’s sitting in and rushes to her side.

“You sure are acting strange.” Her gaze darts back and forth between us, eyebrows knitting together in question. “Well, Preston and Lucas are putting on their PJs and want you to read them a bedtime story, Cash. Is that okay?”

“Of course, I’d love to. Tell ‘em I’ll be right there.”

“Will do,” she says as she pivots around and heads back to their room.

“Cash, I swear to God—if you repeat a word of what I said to Paige, she’ll have me by my balls so fast . . .” He genuinely sounds worried, which is hilarious to me.

“Sure thing, brother. Not a word.” I set off toward Preston and Lucas’ room, my laughter trailing behind me.

* * *

“And they alllived happily ever after.” I snort as I close the book before kissing each of their little foreheads. They fell asleep about halfway through the story, but I had to know how it ended.

Too bad life doesn’t guarantee a happy ending for everyone. From what I’ve lived, they’re few and far between. I quietly pull their door to and make my way through the house, looking for Jake and Paige.

I find them in the kitchen having just finished a nightcap. Their glasses sit empty on the island, and Jake has his arms wrapped around Paige as they whisper to one another. It’s an intimate moment, and I feel like an intruder. Clearing my throat, I announce my presence. “Boys are out cold. Think I’m gonna head home. It’s late.”

“Thank you so much for reading to them, Cash. They just love you so much,” Paige murmurs.

“Not a problem, I love them too.” I give her a one-armed hug and ask Jake to walk me out. “Thanks for letting me stop by tonight. This is just what I needed.”

“Anytime, brother.” We do one of those man-shake-back-slap kinds of hugs before parting ways.

I meant it when I said that tonight was just what I needed. While Myla Rose still lingers in my mind, she’s no longer at the forefront, and that’s a start.

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