Page 32 of A Promise For Tomorrow

The Bone Breakerchuckles. “So eager for me to return?”

“Just curious,” I retort, a smile creeping onto my face and calling me out on my bullshit.

Heat spreads to my cheeks and my pulse spikes knowing he’s right. I will miss him.

He shoots me an amused look before mouthing,“Liar.”

“If all goes according to plan, I should be back by tomorrow night. Will you be here?”

Liam answers for me. “We are heading to Connecticut tonight. Conor and Lexi are meeting us atThe Triskelionto discuss our wedding duties over drinks.”

“Ahh. I take it you’ll be sleeping at Liam’s?”

I turn towards Liam, unsure.

“I have a guest room. She is welcome to stay there while she sorts out moving back home.”

Goddammit, Liam.

“You’re moving home?” Diego asks astoundedly.

“I want to be closer to my family.”

“So, Miami is out of the question? But staying at Liam’s is okay?Right. Got it.” The bitterness in his tone has me wincing.

“Diego…” I touch his arm. “I haven’t decided on anything yet. Tonight we may stay there… but that doesn’t mean I’ll be moving there.”

“I need to kiss my nephew goodbye. It’s fine. I’m not mad you’ll be spending the night with him. I’m disappointed you didn’t tell me you were considering moving there. Anyways…” He places a fleeting kiss on my pouting lips. “Be safe tonight. My phone will be on if you need me… or if this asshole bores you to death,” he laughs, playfully slapping Liam’s back and retreating towards the dining room where Kil and Sel are with Kian.

Feeling a bit let down, I go off in search of some food before joining my sweet little nephew.

Madison’s responseto Diego leaving tonight was expected. Seeing her pout over him was like a swift kick to the nuts. She never said shewasn’tcomfortable with sleeping at my house tonight…so perhaps we’ll get a chance to talk again.

Lainey has all the finger foods being sent around. She’s moved on to work on the dessert display. Naturally, I want to be by her side. Yet, my eyes refuse to stray from Madison. The purple-haired goddess is in the dining room with everyone. Those enchanting curls drape around her face as she leans down to help Kian paint a giraffe.

He’s one, so not much real painting is getting done, but he’s enjoying himself. Giggles and babbles fill the room as he smiles, revealing two little front teeth. Maddy holds his tiny hand in hers, guiding the yellow tipped brush along the ceramic giraffe. Killian and Selena are chatting with Diego—whose eyes keep darting over to Mad. A smile tugs at the corner of his lips watching her engage with the little lad.

Grief hits me like a punch to the gut.

I wanted a family with Madison.

We could have had that by now if everything didn’t happen the way it did. Madison must feel me watching her. Sad eyesconnect with mine. Moisture pools in her lower lids as Kian open mouth kisses her cheek and pulls her into a hug. Her arms come up to wrap around him, gently cradling his head. Her gaze finds mine again, this time filled with uncertainty. She wipes the tears from her eyes and smiles wistfully.

What if that pregnancy test had been positive? We could have had our own little one running around right now. Diego would have never been given a chance for Maddy to fall for him —because she never would have even made it to Greece.

Why does life have to fucking suck so bad? Madison wants to be a mom more than anything. And yet, she struggles with infertility. I want Madison and a family with her, but it’s looking like she wants Diego.

I mean,shit. What am I doing here?

Do I even stand a chance?

Deciding no one needs to witness my spiraling pity party, I go off to have a smoke. I pass by Lainey who is adding animal face cupcakes to the top tier of the dessert display. Her hand reaches out to cup my elbow.

“You okay? What’s wrong? You seem upset.” The nurturing concern in her voice eases the tension building in my chest.

“I just got emotional seeing little Kian, that’s all.” I smile down at her. No need to burden her with my shit.

“Madison has you all messed up. Doesn’t she?” she pushes.

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