Page 81 of Fourth Wall

“I know. I just planned on letting him know what my job entailed. That everything I did, as far as he knows, is legit. I wanted to show him that we were serious. I paid for the girls’ schooling, we went to the fair together, and I pick them up from school. I was hoping somehow I could reason with him. And then maybe it would help somehow by having Stephen there.” I looked at Julian.

“I’m not great with my words. I know I much prefer to sit and think, but I was hoping that everything would look clear for once in my life and that I would know what I had to do.” I stood straighter.

“Then you need to go do what you came to do.”

“Which is what?”

“Show everyone that you’re serious about Maeve. Show them that she is much more to you than just a girlfriend. She is your family. We are your family, and you know exactly how to do that.” I nodded, understanding what he implied.

38

Maeve

My outburst was irrational, but with all the hormones in my body and the impending doom my ex somehow had over my head, I felt myself absolutely crumpling.

“Hey.” Tatum spoke softly as she walked into my room, where I was curled up in the corner of the closet. Don’t ask me why Iliked closets, but anytime the world felt too stressful, the closet was always my quiet, safe space.

“I can't do this,” I barely managed to say between sobs. Tatum dropped to curl up next to me.

“Yes, you can. You are such a strong and beautiful woman. You can and will get through anything. I remember you giving me the same advice many times before.” She offered me a slight smile.

“Just go over there to Tyler’s house. Talk to him. Be honest with him. I think there is a lot of hurt between the two of you still with the way your relationship ended. Having an honest conversation may help.” She laughed, knowing how hard it had been to communicate with Tyler recently. “When I first met you guys, you were still having the holidays at each other’s houses. I know there has to be a way back to that.”

“There does have to be. I have no choice. I cannot give up for Kelsie and Kinsley.” I looked down where I had wrapped myself up in a ball.

“Or you could have a drink too.” Tatum laughed, and I stared at her. “What did I say? Oh shit, I am so sorry that was insensitive. Christian doesn’t drink.”

“I don’t either,” I answered.

“Right, of course. Sorry that was a shitty thing for me to—”

“No, you are not understanding. I cannot drink either,” I emphasized. We were silent for a beat as Tatum processed what I had just said. Suddenly, she grabbed my arms and whisper-screamed.

“Are you pregnant?” She patted her own pregnant belly.

“Yes, but you cannot tell Christian.”

She zippered her lips shut. “When did you find out?” she asked.

“Last night. After everything that happened, I smelled Christian, and his scent was so strong that I knew something was wrong.”

“Holy shit. How do you feel?” Tatum asked.

“I’m about to have three kids, Tatum. I feel way in over my head.”

Tatum smiled. “My best friend once told me that motherhood is unpredictable, but it was one of the most beautiful journeys she had gone through.” Tatum gave me a little wink. Little shit was using my own words against me. “It’s okay to be scared, though. Everything happening in your world right now is life-changing.”

“I need to tell Christian.”

“You do,” she agreed with me. “Go focus on the girls’ situation tonight, and when you get home, you can tell him.”

I nodded in agreement.

She gave me a hug and then helped me off the closet floor. I could hear my mom’s car pulling into the driveway with the girls in tow, so I needed to make myself look presentable because I didn’t want my parents to worry either.

“Thank you,” I told Tatum, and she gave me a quick hug before heading downstairs and out the front door at the same time my mom and the girls came bounding in.

“Christian. We missed you.” I heard two little excited voices from downstairs.

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