Page 18 of Autumn Falls

“Okay, great. I’m on my way.” This is exactly what I need to do. Get out of the house and get some air.

“Dad, I’m going to head into town and pick up your prescriptions.”

“Thank you, sweetheart.” I get in my car and head down the road to the pharmacy. Carter is in there while I’m inside.

“Hey girl, how are you doing?”

“I’m okay. I’m here to get my dad’s meds. What are you doing here this early in the morning?”

“I’m supposed to pick up some things.” Being nosy, I peek inside the basket and see prenatal vitamins. He has the nerve to look embarrassed, but he has no idea that she was with Owen right now, answering his phone and insinuating that she was fucking him. I shutter in revulsion.

“Autumn…I…” I put my hand up, stopping before he tries to explain himself.

“Don’t. Whatever we were is said and done with, Carter. I get it. Caroline is attractive to everyone.” I bite out, my anger pouring like a waterfall from my lips.

“You mean she’s sunk her claws into Owen, too?”

“You don’t look upset by that.”

“No offense, but I’d love to get her out of my way. She used me that night and did it to break us up. I fell for it because I’m a stupid ass who ruined the best thing that ever happened to me, but then again, she doesn’t want me any more than the next guy.” He rakes his hands through his hair. He rocks on his feet like he’s trying to find the right thing to say, but I’m not sure there’s anything he can say to me. This is the longest conversation we’ve had since I found out about the affair.

“Fuck, I’m not sure she’s even pregnant. She’s been acting weird about the doctor’s appointments and there’s something that the receptionist said yesterday that threw me off.” He bites on his bottom lip like he doesn’t want to admit the truth.

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah. She said she hadn’t seen Caroline there in six months. I’ve been paying for doctor’s visits for three months. She’s not even showing, either. I know it’s possible even though she’s a stick, but….”

“No, I get it.”

“I wanted to end our relationship when I saw you over the summer at the lake. Caroline saw the way I was looking at you and she got pissed at me.” I remember running into both of them and his expression was different, but I didn’t know what it meant at the time. “Does she think it would keep us together?”

“Carter, I’ve warned you about staying away from Autumn,” Owen’s voice comes from behind me. “I’ll beat your ass and then bury your body under my damn trees if you make a move on her.”

“I know you’re not trying to play that when you were with Caroline this morning,” I snap.

“You mean I had her arrested like I said,” I added.

“You had her arrested?” Carter said.

“You don’t need these,” Owen says, taking the prenatal vitamins out of the basket. “She’s playing you. She left her tampon wrappers at Matt’s house the other day.”

“I knew it.”

“That’s why you were all pissy about Carter taking care of the baby.”

“No, because this fucker still wants you.”

I look at Carter and see his eyes are speaking the truth. “It doesn’t matter. The damage is done and it could never be undone. Cheating ismyunforgivable sin.” I look up at Owen. “That goes for you too, Owen.”

“I didn’t cheat on you. I never would do such a horrible thing. That bitch snuck onto the property and my alert went off. You can check every damn camera. The cops were on their way before she even got her words out to you.” He runs his hands through his thick dark brown hair in aggravation.

I knew he wasn’t lying, but she had been my nemesis for so long that it hurt to even picture the two of them together. “I’vegot to go.” Carter drops his basket and turns to leave, but Owen grabs his bicep.

“Don’t fucking do anything stupid. She’s not worth it. I might not want you chasing after my woman, but that doesn’t mean I don’t believe you have a future ahead of you.”

“I won’t. She’s not getting the best of me again. I don’t need to waste my time anymore. I’m sorry to both of you. Good luck.” He tugs himself free and walks out.

“You?” Owen says as he turns back to me. “You and I have a lot to talk about.”

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