Page 130 of Mistaken Intention

“I know.”

I stand, and he looks up at me before slowly getting to his feet. “About Maisie…” he says, letting his voice fade.

I push my fingers back through my hair. “Yes… yes. I need to work something out, don’t I? I need to… um… to…” I stop talking and look up into his dark brown eyes. “Would you think really badly of me if I told you I’m nervous?”

“What about?”

“Maisie. I’m responsible for her, but I don’t even know her. It seems so strange that I wanted to have children with Josie, but now I’ve discovered I’m a father, just the word itself terrifies me.”

“You were good at it, Drew. Really good.”

“I’ll have to take your word for that. The thing is, I don’t feel like I can take her back to the cottage with me just now. There are things I need to discuss with Josie, and…”

He smiles. “I wasn’t expecting you to take her with you right this minute. You’ve got an enormous amount of information to process, and you’re right, you need some time with Josie… just the two of you. I was going to suggest that you come over later, or maybe tomorrow, and spend some time with Maisie. She can stay here with us until you’re ready to care for her, and if it’s easier for you, you can build up to having her come live with you, maybe just taking her for a few hours at a time. You don’t have to do it all at once.”

“Y—You’re sure about that?”

“Of course. Although, to be honest, I’m also pretty damn sure that once you set eyes on her, you’re not gonna want to let her go again. But we can take it in stages, if that’s what works for you.”

“Thank you.”

He shakes his head. “You’ve got nothing to thank me for.”

Somehow I doubt that, but that’s a conversation for another day. “I’m gonna go talk to Josie.”

“Okay. Be kind to her.”

“I will.”

He pats me on the shoulder and I step away, feeling better than I have in a while. Okay, so I’m still confused, and my brain still feels like cotton candy, but there seem to be a lot fewer holes in my story now.

He’s right. I have got a lot to process, but there’s no rush… not as far as I’m concerned. I know what I’m aiming for now, and even if there are still a few hurdles to face with Josie, I know we’ll get there. As long as we’re together, we can’t fail.

I keep my head down as I’m walking, only looking up when I get to the cottage, letting out a surprised gasp when I notice the front door is open.

“Josie?” I rush inside, glancing around.

Everything looks as it did earlier, except for the addition of an envelope set prominently on the shelf above the fireplace. I stride over, seeing my name on the outside and I grab it, ripping it open, tearing the page from inside and reading…

‘Drew,

I’m sorry. It wasn’t supposed to end like this. It wasn’t supposed to end at all. But I know you won’t be able to forgive me for what I’ve done. I know I’ve lost you. I just wish I could turn back time and do things differently. Except I can’t. Too much has happened and no matter how much I love you, it’s too late for us now.

Josie x’

‘Too late’? She can’t be serious.

I re-read the note, then shove it into my pocket, running up the stairs.

My dressing room is a mess. She packed in a hurry, taking her things and leaving the drawers and closet doors open.

“For fuck’s sake, Josie,” I yell, slamming one shut.

I let my head fall, holding it in my hands. Why didn’t I see this coming?

Probably because she told me she wouldn’t run again… and I was dumb enough to believe her.

I thought we’d agreed, if she ever felt like this, she wouldn’t run, she’d stay and talk. And yet, here I am, staring at an empty closet again. If I’d known there was any danger of her doing this, I’d never have left her by herself. I’d have followed her straight back here, and made sure she understood how much I love her, even if I am still mad at her.

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