Page 105 of After the Vows

“Maybe,” I mutter as I finish pouring the champagne and add the orange juice.

I set a glass in front of each woman but when I reach Nova she holds up a hand. “None for me, thanks.”

“But you love mimosas.”

“Not today. My tummy is acting funny.”

Uh oh. Nova is a bit of a hypochondriac. She has her reasons, which is why we don’t push her.

“More for me.” I swipe her glass and replace it with one filled with pure orange juice.

Sophia lifts her glass in the air. “To Chloe making good choices!”

“To love!” Maya shouts.

I sip on my drink, but I don’t think my friends will agree with my choices. Because despite what Paisley said, I can’t chance Lucas losing Natalia. I don’t want either one of them to suffer. I love them too much.

I would do anything for them. Including break my own heart.

Chapter 34

Love – is the answer. Just ask Maya.

Lucas

“Chloe! Are you home?” I shout when I return home after work. “Are you okay?”

I bound up the stairs. Sophia messaged me to go check on Chloe. Since Chloe snuck out of the house this morning, I didn’t hesitate to rush home after reading the message.

I peek in my bedroom, but it’s empty. As is the connected bathroom. And the hallway bathroom. I enter the guest bedroom to discover Chloe packing her things.

“What the hell are you doing?”

She jumps and drops the clothes in her arms. “What are you doing home early?”

I point to the suitcases on her bed. “Are you leaving me? I fucking knew it. You’re running scared.”

“I’m not scared. I’m doing this for you.”

I rear back. “For me? You’re hurting me for me? If you cared about me, you wouldn’t do this.”

“I love you, Lucas. With all my heart. It’s why I’m doing this.”

Warmth spreads through me at her confession. Hell yeah. This woman I’m obsessed with loves me.

I prowl to her. “I love you, too, wildcat.”

I reach for her but she bats my hands away.

“I’m still leaving.”

My muscles tense. She’s still leaving? “Why the hell are you leaving if we love each other?”

“I don’t want you to lose Natalia.”

The anger drains from my body and warmth replaces it. “This is about Natalia?”

“Of course, this is about Natalia. You can’t lose custody of her. Holly can’t have her. Your ex will destroy the light in your little girl’s eyes and I won’t have it.”

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