Page 115 of Chasing Sparks

“Go to the dinner, Braden. Your brother needs your support. No doubt he’s terrified, even if he won’t admit it. I think he’ll be a great dad, though.”

My sentiment is true. I know Ash will be top-notch in the parenting department. I just hope he hangs up his philandering ways and settles down with his family.

Their baby deserves that, because I know how painful it is to grow up wondering why you weren’t enough for them to stay.

Pretty much the way I’m feeling right now.

“What areyougoing to do?” Mina questions, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

“What do you mean? There’s nothing to do. I’m going to finish with the inventory for the shop and then speak to Eddie about the house renovations.”

Both Mina and Braden focus their gazes on me. Seems I’m not worming my way out of an answer.

Mina’s voice softens, her hand squeezing my shoulder. “Whatever you decide, you know I’m here for you, right? You don’t have to face this alone.”

I glance at her, my throat tightening. “I’ll be his friend. At least, as much as I can right now.”

“You don’t think you two can work through this?” Braden asks.

While we wouldn’t be the first couple to endure an outside pregnancy in the early stages of a relationship, I have zero desire to peg my love against Lucille.

I’m not a fan of losing, and that bet is a surefire loss.

“Honestly, I’m not up for that level of drama in my life. I have enough to worry about, and so does he. We’re better off as friends, or whatever we are now.”

“I totally disagree. Hell, I figured you two would get married and have a few kids.”

How wrong you are, Braden.

“The players have changed, but the game is the same. What did your parents say?”

Braden’s eyes widen at my question. “No idea. I’m sure as hell not telling them. My folks hate Lucille more than I do. They’re going to be pissed because they love you.”

“They don’t know me.”

“But they know how you changed Ash,” Braden replies. “They also remember what Lucille did to him. Fucking bitch.”

I lean against the counter, trying to find a silver lining in this scenario. Trust me, it’s not easy.

“Look, it sucks, right? And I plan on drinking heavily and eating cartons of ice cream for the foreseeable future. But you’re going to be an uncle, Braden, and that’s amazing.”

“I just wish it was with someone else.”

You and me both, buddy.

Enough of this. I need to focus my attention anywhere but on the festering pile that once was my heart.

Except Ican’tescape it. The man I love—and his drama—are literally right next door. Every time I see his face, it will twist the knife a little deeper. Proximity isn’t just salt in the wound—it’s the whole damn shaker.

Lifting my mug of coffee, I motion toward my office. “The books are calling, and I must go. Thanks for checking on me, Braden.”

He leans across the counter, pecking me on the cheek. “Don’t give up on him. Maybe you two can figure something out.”

That’s the thing. I don’t want to figure out some workaround regarding this situation. Even if Ash claims to want that, I’d always feel like the other woman standing between Lucille and Ash’s family unit.

I know how it feels to be on the receiving end of that scenario.

Do. Not. Recommend.

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