Page 104 of Taking Chances

But I have to make her believe it. She’s been hurt one too many times, and a deep part of her believes she isn’t lovable.

What a crazy thought.I snicker.

She was the brave one this whole time, and now it’s my turn to step up and show her how I feel.

Time to make a plan.

Three weeks later,I knock on Rina and Connor’s door.

“Hi, daddy,” I poke fun at him, making him snort.

“Original.”

“I thought so,” I respond.

This isn’t the first time I’ve visited Daisy. The little bundle is the first baby I’ve known, and I have to say, she’s even more adorable than I expected. I was prepared for her to be tiny, but not to smell better than anything else I’ve ever smelled. I was also unprepared to have her in my arms and imagine what it would be like to have one of my own. Would she have red hair like Anne? Or her gorgeous green eyes?

I was lucky enough not to have run into Anne while visiting them. I miss her like crazy, but I have a plan.

She needed time to know I’m sure about this. I needed time to get my mom settled in and prepare everything. Though Mom hasn’t shared what the two of them talked about, I know the conversation with Anne played a huge part in her being in Seattle now.

Also, Rina and Connor needed time to adjust to the life with their newborn before I sprang this on them. Hopefully, three weeks was enough because it’s time.

Daisy sleeps on my chest, which is probably good because I want to keep the chances of Connor attacking me to a minimum.

“So, I have something to share with you.” Their eyes move from lovingly staring at their daughter to looking at me. My guess is Anne hasn’t mentioned anything to them, because I’d have already heard about it. I take a big breath. “I love Anne.”

Rina’s eyes crinkle at the side, lips pulling into a smirk. “Finally,” Connor groans.

I guess they notice my confused face because Rina continues, “You can’t honestly think we haven’t noticed. You were like two opposing magnets, pulling closer together the longer we hung out.”

“How come you haven’t talked to me about it?” I turn to Connor.

“About what?”

“Warning me not to hurt her. Ihavehurt her.” The protectiveness inside of me grows. He should have taken care of her.

“But you’re going to make it right?” Rina asks, her voice gentle.

“Yes, but it doesn’t matter. You should have protected her.”

“From who? You?” Connor shakes his head. “Look, man, I know you have your fucked up reasons for being this closed off, but I know you. And I love you.” He looks to Rina. “We trust you. Even with the heart of one of our best friends.” Rina nods, a smile on her face.

“Oh.” The anger in my stomach settles. “Good. Because I’m not letting her go. And I need you help with making her forgive me.”

“Oooh,” Rina squeals, clapping her hands, and I clue them in on my plan.

41

ANNE

It’s been a month since I last saw him. The tears have stopped, but the memories of him are as fresh as they were on day one. I hope he’s doing well. Connor told me his mom moved into her own place with Lennox’s help—I hope she’s OK, too.

Every evening as I lie in my bed, I imagine his hands around me, gently caressing me. Every night, I’m waken up by sex dreams of the two of us. Every book I read, I imagine him as the main male character, but then I get upset when he falls in love with the FMC and don’t finish the book.

Luna is, luckily, feeling better and her snuggles are keeping me afloat. So I put the book down, grabbing my phone while she purrs in my lap.

A text from Rina appears on my screen.

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