Page 106 of Two Wrongs

Then she left, and I couldn’t even look at him. I was so worried he’d resent me for falling in love with her, I didn’t stop and think how I’d feel about him. Everything he’d done over the last year compounded. He stole from me, lied to me, and nearly destroyed my business. Wren was gone, I was a mess, and Liam and I weren’t any better. The truth slapped me in the face the night I chose to chase after him rather than take care of Wren.

Liam and I weren’t okay, and it had nothing to do with my relationship with Wren. Worse, I sacrificed my happiness and hers for the benefit of someone who, I realized, didn’t give a shit about anyone but themself. Yes, many would see our relationship as taboo. She should have been off limits, and everyone in town was already talking about us.

“Coffee,” she croaks, bringing me out of my head.

I shake my head. “No can do, little momma. Coffee is bad for the baby.”

She scowls at me, and I’m so damn happy to have her back I smile at her bad mood.

“You’re annoyingly happy this morning. Where’s the dark cloud that’s usually hanging over your head?” she grumbles.

I drop a kiss on her forehead. “Don’t you know? That cloud didn’t stand a chance against your sunshine.”

She pouts. “I don’t know how sunny I’m going to be without coffee.”

My hand slips under the covers to rest on her stomach. “It’s amazing what you can sacrifice for your child.”

Her mouth curves into a frown. “Then shouldn’t I still be in Florida? Liam—“

I put my hand over her mouth stopping her from finishing her sentence. “As much as I love him, you are the one thing I can’t give up for him. A person can’t live without a heart, and you’re mine.”

Her lips move under my hand, and even though I suspect she’s going to argue with me, I let her speak. “You told my aunt and Liam you love me, but you’ve never said it to me.”

The list of things I have to make up to her is long. “Love is such a weak word. I need one that encompasses what you are to me. I’m not great at words. Hell, even you’ve said I speak more in grunts. Bess told me I needed to grovel, but I’m not good at that either. My language is made up of actions. But, I need you to know, I do love you. More than anything. I’d like to show you what I mean by that if you’ll take a ride with me?”

Her eyes are wide and trusting. I don’t deserve it, but I’m going to make sure it isn’t misplaced. I need to prove to her that her heart is safe with me.

* * *

“Why are we at the shop?”she asks. There’s a hint of panic in her voice, and I realize it’s because the bay doors are open, and Liam is staring back at us.

He looks rough, bags are under his eyes, and he’s clearly suffering from a hangover. His jaw is clenched like mine does when I’m angry, but he doesn’t storm away. Charlie moves to stand next to him, and puts a hand on his shoulder. He gives me a nod, and I know he’s got my back if Liam should get out of control.

“Get out with me?” I ask her.

There’s a wariness in her eyes that makes me angry. I raised the man who put that look on her face, and it feels like as much my failure as Liam’s. I can’t keep blaming myself for his mistakes though.

“I can wait in the car,” she offers.

Slipping my hand in hers, I give it a squeeze. “He’s never going to be out of your life, and I know that’s unfair. You are divorced, and without kids. Most people in your situation could walk away and never think about their ex again. Hell, I have a kid with mine, and I still haven’t seen her in over twenty years. I know it’s a lot to ask, but we’re never going to get past this if we don’t try.”

“For you, I’ll try,” she whispers.

I get out of my truck, and run around the other side to help her down. She laughs at my sudden surge in protectiveness. “If you had a smaller truck I could do this myself. I could probably figure out how to jump down.”

“And risk you falling and hurting the peanut? No way. I doubt you’ll let me wrap you in bubble wrap, so you should probably prepare yourself for a lot of hovering. If getting a lower truck means I don’t get an excuse to touch you, I’ll just end up lifting this one.”

Taking her hand, I lead her into the bay. She tries to pull her hand free, but I hold firm. The time for us to make ourselves smaller to appease others is over, or it will be over soon. My actions will prove to her that I’m not ashamed to be with her.

Liam sees our hands clasped and scowls, but Charlie squeezes his shoulder before he can throw any insults our way. I didn’t bring Wren here for round two anyway. We’re here to see Charlie.

“You called and said you made a decision about my offer,” I remind him.

He smirks at me. “First I’ve got to congratulate our little mom-to-be.” Charlie demonstrates his death wish by wrapping his arms around her and spinning her around.

She laughs, then groans, and I’m ready to take his head off. He sees the look on my face, and instantly sets her down. Then he sees the look on her face and winces. Liam grabs the back of his neck, looking uncomfortable. Then he strolls into my office and comes back with a chair.

Wren’s face is the definition of shock, but she takes a seat. I’m still glaring at Charlie. “Morning sickness, dumbfuck.”

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