Page 38 of Mad Love

“I’m just sayin’…”

“Well, don’t.”

Weston shoots me a nervous look and my heart skips a few beats. I act unfazed and tuck my head against Caleb’s.

I wish I could say that Weston doesn’t affect me, but I’d be lying.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

A WAY WITH THE LADIES

WESTON

When I come downstairs wearing a suit the morning of the funeral, Sadie stares at me in confusion.

“I should have made sure it was okay that I come to the funeral,” I say sheepishly, dragging my hand along the back of my neck.

“You’re going to the funeral?” she asks.

“I was planning on it. If it’s okay with you and your family.”

She swallows hard and nods. “That would be nice. Thank you.”

“Of course. I want to be there.”

She’s wearing a blue dress that matches her eyes and her long, dark hair falls down her back like a thick curtain. She looks beautiful. And exhausted.

“Did you get any sleep last night?” I ask.

She makes a face. “Not much. But thanks for taking Caleb. How did he do?”

“He actually had a little better night. Cried for a while when I took him from you at one and again at three, but not as long. We talked about a few things, took a stroll around the house…I think maybe he’s starting to get used to me.”

Her smile is faint and sad, but it’s there.

“He is,” she says.

“Can I drive you to the service?”

She hesitates for a second, and I’m certain she’ll say no.

“I’d like that, yes. I just need to get Caleb ready. My mom gave me a cute outfit for him to wear. Where is he?”

“I put the portable crib in the library.” I point at the baby monitor. “And every monitor on this level and upstairs is at the highest volume. If he takes a deep breath, we’ll hear it.”

Again, she smiles, but her heart isn’t into it. I honestly don’t know how she’s still standing here, looking so brave and strong when it’s obvious she’s suffering. A little sound comes from the baby monitor and her eyes light up. She takes a few quick sips of her coffee and grabs the prepared bottle, diaper, and outfit I didn’t notice until just now, and makes her way to the library.

The decent thing to do would be to turn off the monitor since she’s in there with him, but when I hear her talking to him, her voice quiet and singsongy, I can’t resist listening.

“Hi, sweet boy. You ready to eat? Come here and see me. I love you,” her voice breaks, and I can’t do it.

I turn the monitor off and text my sisters.

Hey. I love you guys.

Felicity

I love you too!

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