Page 41 of Valley

As I made my way back to the bar, I caught sight of Sean watching me with a scowl. He knew I had been with Madeline, and I could tell he didn’t like it. But he was no match for me, and he was gonna find out the hard way.

I ordered a drink and downed it in one gulp, feeling the burning liquid fuel my determination. I was going to make Madeline mine, and nothing was going to stand in my way.

Not Sean.

Not Kezia.

It was time to bury some ghosts.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Chapter Twenty-Four

SEAN LED MEthrough the crowd, his grip on myhand firm yet gentle. The clubhouse backyard buzzed with life, people moving around, tables topped with food, and laughter filling the air. I tried to focus on the festive atmosphere, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Jarrod. How could I believe him after what I saw? Seeing him with Val, if his intention was to hurt me, that was unforgivable.

I had to force the image of that night into my head as Jarrod talked, so I wouldn’t do the unthinkable and believe him.

Or worse,forgivehim.

“Hey, you okay?” Sean’s voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. His concerned gaze met mine.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I lied, forcing a smile.

He nodded, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t let Valley get you down.”

We wove our way to a table near the yard’s edge, where Casimir sat like a king holding court. Among the women at the table was Sarah, who waved at me enthusiastically.

“Madeline! I’m so glad you’re here,” Sarah said, pulling me into a warm hug. “I wasn’t expecting to see you.”

“Sean invited me,” I replied, genuinely grateful for her gesture that put me at ease.

“Sean, can you give me a hand with this beast?” Player called, nodding towards a massive grill on the back of a truck.

“Sure thing,” Sean said, glancing at me. “You okay here?”

“I’m good,” I assured him. “Go help Player.”

As they walked away, I scanned the crowd for familiar faces. My heart clenched when I spotted Jarrod across the yard, his eyes locked onto me. Despite the distance, his gaze was a tangible force.

I took a deep breath, reminding myself why I was here. This was about enjoying time with friends and proving to myself that I could move on. But Jarrod’s presence was a constant reminder of the pain I still felt and the love I couldn’t shake.

“Madeline!” a cheerful voice called out, breaking my thoughts. I turned to see Daphne approaching, her bright smile infectious.

“Hey, Daphne!” I greeted her warmly.

She said, “You look great,” giving me a once over. “But then, you always do.”

“Of course she looks great,” Casimir chimed in, holding Toby. “She has me for guidance.”

“Bullshit, Cas,” Daphne chuckled, giving him a playful nudge. “I have you for guidance, and I look like a chew toy.”

We chatted for a while, their warmth and laughter gradually easing my tension. These women had a way of making everyone feel welcome, their cheerful demeanor a perfect distraction. But every now and then, I’d catch sight of Jarrod, his presence a dark cloud over an otherwise sunny day.

“Oh, there’s Patch and Katherine!” Daphne squealed, standing up. “And baby Caden.”

I looked over to see the happy couple, Katherine holding the baby tight while Patch’s arm wrapped around them both protectively. Not knowing them well, I held back, observing as everyone cooed over the new arrival. Little Caden was a miracle, as Sarah had told me, and seeing him filled my heart with warmth.

A blonde woman who had come in with Katherine, introduced as Bethany, gathered the women together. “Let’s go set up,” she said quietly. “I want this baby shower to be a surprise for mom.”

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