Page 29 of Rhett Redeemed

“I forgive you, Con. You didn’t even know, so I guess there’s nothing to really say sorry for,” she says, placing the flowers back down on the grass and studying me. “I’m sorry for what Clover and Natty said to you. I don’t know exactly what that was, but Clover did say it wasn’t her proudest moment. They shouldn’t have spoken to you like that, and I apologize on their behalf.”

“They were protecting you,” I say, shrugging, but I do appreciate her saying that. Their words did hurt, and I hate that the people who love her see me that way.

I know Rhett wanted to protect her, too. I didn’t miss when he let go of me to grab onto Cara. In fact, I keep replaying that part over and over. Will Rhett always love her? I don’t know. But the fact that I do resemble Cara a little keeps occupying my mind. Is that why he went for me in the first place? Because I look like Cara? If so, that is really fucked-up, and I can’t help but feel used. He never wanted me. He wanted the Wish version of Cara, as Natty put it.

And I guess it’s not my problem to concern myself with anymore, because that chapter is now closed.

“I know, but they didn’t need to take it that far. We are adults now, and we all need to act like it. And the Rhett and Cara era is over and done with. Rhett is free to make his own choices now. I’m sorry I didn’t respond to you earlier, but I am glad you stopped by. Do you want to help me plant a thousand seedlings into pots? They’re for a fundraiser at the school.”

I exhale in relief and nod. “I’d love to.”

I know things won’t just go back to the way they were, but at least we have spoken about it, and we can work on our relationship. It’s actually weird because Cara seems the least angry about what happened out of everyone. I wish the others around her would follow suit.

And as for Rhett?

I wish I never laid eyes on him.

Chapter Twelve

Rhett

After an hour taking my anger out on the boxing bag, I get dressed to head out with the MC. Arrow has been taking me with him on all of his meetings with other MCs, other chapters of the Wind Dragons and any business associates we have. We discuss business and if there are any problems that are coming up. He only does this quarterly, but it’s good for them to see me stepping into his shoes.

Since our chapter of the Wind Dragons has gone straight and does not deal with anything illegal, it’s mainly just checking on chapter numbers and if there are any issues that pop up. Soon it will be me interacting with them alone and representing the Wind Dragons, and he wants me to have a good business relationship with everyone involved. It’s a lot to take on, but I know this is something that I want to do. I’m proud of my MC, and how it’s evolved over the years. And I’m looking forward to where I can take it.

Leah walks out of Dice’s room, her long braids dangling down her back. She’s dressed in activewear, tight leggings and a crop top, showing off her shapely figure. I try not to look because she’s Dice’s, but shit, I still have eyeballs.

“What’s the update on the drama from the party?” she asks, following me into the kitchen and pulling out a bottle of water.

Leaning against the counter, I cross my arms against my chest. “You coming here to gossip?”

“I’m just asking what everyone wants to,” she replies, closing the fridge with her hip and pulling out a chair. “We were all there and saw it play out, so we’re all invested.”

“There’s nothing to report. All the women are pissed at me, as far as I know, and I’m enemy number one,” I say, glancing over at her. I need some inside information from the other sex. “You’re a woman.”

“Very observant.”

“What should I do to fix this whole mess?” I ask.

“With Con?” she asks, brows drawing together. “Or with the Natty-Clover-Cara trio?”

“The trio. No, not even the trio, just Cara. She’s the one at the center of all of this. And I can’t be with Con anyway, so it’s probably for the best.”

“Why can’t you be with her?” Leah asks, taking a sip of water and putting the lid back on the bottle.

“Because it’s going to cause more shit, and it will be awkward for Cara.”

“So you’re more focused on Cara’s feelings than Con’s?” she asks, nodding to herself. “Interesting.”

“What’s interesting? It’s not that I am more focused on Cara, it’s that Con and I aren’t seeing each other anymore. And don’t use that psychology shit on me.” Leah is a second-year psychology student, and I know she’s always analyzing all of us.

She laughs, covering her mouth with her hand. “I’m sorry. I think for Cara you need to seek her out and talk to her in person. You didn’t purposely hurt Cara; it’s all a big misunderstanding. So clear it up.”

I nod. “You’re right. I just feel like I keep messing up, it’s one thing after another.”

“Well, all you can do is learn from it. Can’t change what happened now,” she replies. “You know, Dice and I work so well because we communicate with each other, and consider each other.”

“Yeah, yeah, don’t rub your healthy relationship in my face right now,” I grumble.

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