Page 173 of Rule Breakers Fall Hardest

Shoulders slumped, I pull my keys from my purse and head for the door. I might as well get it over with. Whatever waits inside isn’t gonna go away.

Once I’ve gotten the door unlocked, I step inside and pull it open farther to let Daire in after me. Rather than being hit with a loudSurprise!the only thing that assaults me is the smell of a home-cooked meal. Instantly the delicious scent makes my stomach rumble, reminding me that I haven’t eaten since this morning, and all I had then was a little bowl of fruit.

I figured my mom would have this meal catered, but I assumed we’d eat later. I have to say that I’m glad that it’s now. My stomach rumbles again in agreement.

In the dining room, I find a lavish setup. Plates that certainly aren’t ours adorn the table. They look expensive and possibly antique. Every place setting is affixed with a small bouquet, the fragrances of which can just barely be detected over the herbs and spices permeating the air.

My mom steps up beside me, eyeing me cautiously. What do you think?” she asks, her expression uncertain, like she’s worried I might hate this. But it’s perfect, and I’m glad she listened to my request. A dinner party is more intimate.

“This looks amazing. Thank you, Mom.” I wrap her in a hug. “Thanks, Dad,” I add, though I don’t reach out to him. Our relationship is going to take a lot of work.

“You’re welcome.” There’s a sadness in his eyes, a longing for what we used to have. In the past, my reaction toward him would’ve been more enthusiastic, but he doesn’t comment or force an interaction.

“This looks great, guys,” Daire says, putting a hand on my shoulder. “Thank you for doing all this.”

“Should I let Bertie know we’re having dinner earlier than we thought?”

My mom shakes her head. “No, I let her know. Go wash up. The meal will be served when we’re ready.”

Relief washes through me. I could use a moment to freshen up. I’m pretty sure there’s an inch of sweat dried onto my skin from sitting in the sun for hours in the heavy gown.

Grace pops up behind me, poking her head around my arm. “Those plates are so ugly. Did you pick those out, Mom?”

My mom sighs, throwing her arms out. “I swear, God sent me you to keep me humble.”

Grace giggles in my ear. “You’re welcome.”

Chuckling, Daire bounces Sammy lightly in his arms. “I’m going to go change this one.”

“I’m going to go change myself.” I motion to my dress, thankful I chose black so the dried sweat isn’t visible. I fully plan on hopping in the shower, even if it’s only for five minutes.

Upstairs, we part ways when he turns into the nursery. In our bathroom, I turn the shower on and then scour my closet for a change of clothes. I settle on a simple green sundress. It probably won’t be dressy enough for my mom’s tastes, but I’m in my own home, I’m tired, and I want to be comfy more than anything else.

I hop in the shower and scrub my body quickly. I don’t have time to linger like I want to, so I hop out and dry off quickly, then try to tame my hair into something that looks intentional.

Daire steps into the bathroom and sets Sammy on the floor. “You showered?”

“I had to. I thought I was going to sweat to death out there.”

With a chuckle, he reaches in to turn the shower back on. “Same. It was hot as…” He looks at Sammy. “Heck.”

After he’s showered and changed as well, we venture back downstairs. Bertie has arrived, with Luke in tow, and my mom is fawning all over her. I’m happy to see it. Her parents didn’t take the news of her pregnancy well, and it put a damper on the day for her.

Once we’re all settled at the table, the catering team my mom hired serves us.

“This is incredible, Mom. Thank you for organizing all this.”

She beams at the praise. “I’m glad you like it.”

While we’re eating, the topic of conversation turns from the ceremony to Sammy and custody.

“Everything will be settled in a few days,” Daire says. He reaches for my hand beneath the table. “We’ll go to the courthouse, and it’ll be taken care of.”

“That soon?” my mom asks, turning to me with a frown. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

I shrug. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think it was that important to you.”

She presses a hand to her heart. “Of course it’s important. Sammy is your boy.”

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