Page 62 of Won’t Let You Get Away

“Yeah. Go get some snuggles, Daddy,” Kenny teases, shutting and locking the barn door behind him.

I hold up my middle finger over my shoulder as I jog towards my house. Despite the oncoming storm and sleep disruption, I’m still excited at the thought of rejoining Bri in bed.

Entering as quietly as possible, I hang my coat and line my wet boots by the door before heading upstairs.

My joyful anticipation shifts to confusion, a sense of dread settling heavily in my stomach when I find my bedroom empty.

After a futile search in the bathroom, I scour the house for Bri, only to be met with the stark realization that I’m alone.

Before I can think about it further, my phone buzzes with a message in my pocket. My heart leaps as I pull it out, hoping foran explanation from Bri—but disappointment sets in when I see Kenny’s name instead.

With a sigh, I open his message and frown.

Kenny:

Rosie’s not in here, gonna head out and look for her.

The realization hitsme like a ton of bricks.

Bri walked over here after work last night. But for the past few months, it’s always been me walking to Bri’s before sunset and returning with Rosie.

I hastily slip on my boots and frantically send another text.

Me:

I know where she is. Stay at the barn and expect her back in 15 minutes.

I don’t bother explainingwhy I won’t be with her as I head out toward the cabin just as another rumble of thunder rolls through the early morning. Since Bri isn’t in my bed, I’m not coming back until I know she’s safe and why she left me.

SABRINA

This isn’t happening again.

Clinging to the pillow, I resist the urge to open my eyes and delay the inevitable confirmation that I’m alone. But the longer I deny it, the more vividly I replay the sensation of waking up in an empty bungalow six months ago.

Drawing a deep breath, I inhale the lingering woodsy scent of his cologne on the pillow and reassure myself that this time is different. Noah has to return; after all, I am inhisbed.

Yet, the sting of his absence resonates within me, unearthing old wounds I thought I had moved on from.

Sitting up, I clutch the blanket to my chest and remind myself that this situation is unlike the previous one. However, as I gaze at the empty spot beside me, I cannot stop the nagging insecurities at the back of my mind.

Unease rolls in my stomach as I gently rub my swollen belly. If he decides to leave again, it won’t just affect me.

I groan, hating the rampant doubt that festers within me. The struggle between emotion and logic vying for dominance in your mind is challenging. Even if you can view a situation logically, it doesn’t immediately erase hurt, fear, or uncertainty.

Knowing that sitting alone in a dark room won’t help anything, I force myself out of the bed and find my clothes. Sleep is elusive, and waiting for Noah’s return is not an option.

Hell, I have no idea when he’ll even be back.

After throwing on yesterday’s clothes, I head downstairs in search of my phone and purse. I linger in his entryway, briefly wondering if I’m being irrational but ultimately knowing I need to get out of here. Opening his front door, a strong wind gust greets me. Instantly retreating into his entryway, I decide to borrow one of his flannels hanging by the door before venturing out again.

Wrapping myself tightly in Noah’s flannel and inhaling its familiar scent, I mutter under my breath, cursing both the impending storm and my hasty departure. It’s not even six in the morning, and I’ve already managed to flee like a scaredy cat rather than confront my fears.

Once I reach the cabin, I’ll send Noah a text letting him know. Then, I’ll muster up the courage to explain why I left. Neither of us have mentioned his prior departure, and until this morning, I thought I was fine with that. Clearly, I was wrong.

What’s transpiring between us is more profound than just a casual fling or impending parenthood. It’s something we need to actually discuss.

There’s no doubt in my mind that six months ago, during our four-day rendezvous, my feelings for Noah began to bloom. These past few months of spending time together have only deepened those emotions.

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