Page 119 of Love You Madly

I exhale, the tension in my shoulders easing just a bit at his quick response.

Me:

Yeah, everything is fine. Just need to talk to you about something. Take your time.

I send the message and toss my phone onto the bed, trying to distract myself by tidying up Sara’s room. I pick up her little clothes, the soft fabric feeling like a lifeline in my hands. I fold them with more care than necessary, anything to keep my mind from spiraling. But it’s no use. My thoughts keep drifting back to Karissa’s message, to the unsettling feeling that someone is trying to wedge themselves into the safe space Owen and I have been building.

I’ve been in relationships where trust was fragile, where every little thing felt like it could shatter what we had. But this—what I have with Owen—is different. It’s solid, real. So why does this feel so unsettling?

The soft hum of my phone pulls me from my thoughts. I grab it, seeing Owen’s name on the screen, and I quickly swipe to answer.

“Hey,” I say, my voice a little shakier than I’d like.

“Hey,” Owen’s voice is warm, familiar, instantly soothing in a way that makes my chest ache with relief. “Barrett’s finally asleep. What’s going on?”

I sit down on the edge of my bed, running a hand through my hair, trying to gather my thoughts. “So, something happened tonight. Taylor told me she got a message from your ex, Karissa.”

There’s a brief pause, just long enough for my heart to skip a beat. “What? Why would Karissa message Taylor?”

“She said she’s pregnant with your baby and that she’s worried you’ll ghost me like you did to her.” The words tumble out in a rush, like I’m trying to get rid of them as quickly as possible, as if speaking them faster will make them less real. Iclose my eyes, bracing myself for his response, for anything that might confirm or dispel this nagging doubt.

Owen sighs heavily on the other end, “Callie, I’m so sorry you even had to hear that. But she’s lying. We never even slept together. I have no idea why she’s saying this, but there’s no way her baby is mine.”

His words hit me like a wave, washing over the lingering anxiety, leaving in its place a growing sense of relief. “I figured as much,” I say, my voice softer now, the irritation slowly falling away. “But I needed to hear it from you.”

“I get it,” Owen says, and there’s a tenderness in his voice that makes my chest tighten. “Thank you for not assuming the worst or thinking I’d keep something like that from you. I’m really glad you told me. I’ll talk to her, make sure she doesn’t bother you or your family again. I’m really sorry you had to deal with this, Callie.”

“It’s not your fault,” I reply, my fingers absentmindedly tracing the patterns on the bedspread. “I just… I hate that she’s dragging you into this mess, and now my family too. It’s just a lot.”

“I know,” Owen says, his tone gentle, filled with a quiet determination. “But we’ll get through this. I’m here for you, okay? We’ll figure it out together.”

His words wrap around me like a protective shield, and I can’t help the small smile that tugs at my lips. “Thanks, Owen. I appreciate that.”

“Anytime, gorgeous,” he replies, and I can almost hear the smile in his voice, that playful warmth that always manages to make me feel a little lighter. “Try not to worry about it too much. We’re good, okay? And I’m really looking forward to tomorrow. The kids are going to have a blast.”

“Me too,” I say, the anticipation for tomorrow bubbling up,pushing the remnants of worry aside. “I can’t wait to meet Barrett. I think Sara’s going to adore him.”

“Same here. Barrett’s going to love her,” Owen replies, and there’s a soft, tender note in his voice that makes my heart swell. “Get some rest, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay,” I whisper, the knot in my stomach finally starting to loosen. “Goodnight, Owen.”

“Goodnight, Callie.”

As I hang up, I let out a long breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. Owen’s words echo in my mind as I curl up in bed, pulling the covers around me. We’re good. And tomorrow is going to be a fresh start—just the four of us, enjoying a day together. I focus on that thought, letting it anchor me, letting it be the thing that carries me into sleep.

fifty-two

I LOVE YOU - THE BEES

OWEN - AUGUST 3, 2013

Ipull into Callie’s driveway, thinking that I should probably buy stock in a fuel company with all these long trips. As much as I know she’s worth every mile, making this drive each week has become a real investment. But there’s something about being here that just feels right, like the missing pieces of my life are finally fitting together. God, when did I get so sentimental?

I glance over at Barrett, who's quietly taking in the surroundings from his car seat. "Are you ready to meet some special girls, buddy?" I reach over and squeeze his hand three times—a small gesture we've adopted for "I love you." He squeezes back twice, our little way of reassuring each other.

After unbuckling him, I scoop him up, and he snuggles close. I grab his bag with my free hand and make my way to the door. Callie’s little white house stands quietly before us, welcoming us in that way only a place that feels like home can. Before I even knock, the door swings open, and there’sCallie with Sara perched on her hip. Her smile, bright and welcoming, makes my heart do that familiar flip. Standing there in the soft afternoon sunlight, she’s radiant. It all feels so seamless like we’re slipping into a life that was always waiting for us.

"Hello, Dollface," I say, stepping inside, one of my favorite nicknames for her slipping out naturally.

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