Page 67 of What About Now

“Fair enough.” I smirk, and he rolls his eyes.

Before he can reply, the girls come rushing over, with Lilly hot on their heels. “Come, draw with us,” they say at the same time.

River grabs Forrest’s hand and Lachlan’s. Rayne takes mine and Legend’s, and Roman scoops Lilly up into his arms. That’s how we spend the rest of the day—drawing with the girls, while our wives and Maggie sit around and chat about…. Well, I don’t know what they’re talking about, but I do know that every time I look over at my wife, I find her smiling and laughing, and a happy wife is all I want.

I want her to have it all: happiness, love, and me. I’m the one who’s going to give it to her.

CHAPTER

FIFTEEN

Brogan

My hands shake, and my palms are sweaty as I keep my eyes glued to the landscape passing by outside the window of Maddox’s truck. When we pull up into the lot of my therapist’s office, I take in a deep breath and slowly exhale, trying to calm my nerves.

“I don’t have to go with you,” Maddox tells me. “Babe, if this is too much for you, we can wait until you’re ready.”

“No. I need to do this.” I turn to face him. “Susan thinks this will help, and she’s helped me so much since I’ve started seeing her.” I reach over and take his hand, and he slides his fingers between mine. “I’m not ready to lose this.” I give his hand a soft squeeze.

“Brogan—” he starts, but I shake my head, cutting him off.

“Can we not? Let’s just go inside.”

He nods and leans over the console to kiss my lips. He drops my hand and climbs out of the truck, rushing to my side to open the door. He didn’t have to tell me to stay put this time. I want to soak up as much of his attention as I can. Because things might come up today—the truth of my anxiety—and he could decidethis is it. He could choose to say to hell with the rest of the weeks that we have in our agreement and walk.

I’m counting down those weeks as if the world is ending, and if I’m being honest, that’s what it feels like. I can’t imagine my life without Maddox. Sure, he’ll still be around, but not in our house, in our bed, and not as my husband. Just the thought has pain filling my chest.

With his hand around my waist, he leads me into the building. I feel like I’m on autopilot as we step onto the elevator, and I push the button for the third floor. I can’t believe I asked him to come with me. This has to be a mistake. No good can come out of him hearing more details about my broken past.

Maddox keeps me tucked into his side as we exit the elevator. I keep my head down because I feel as though I’m seconds away from losing my grip on my sanity.

I’m not ready to lose him.

It’s not until I hear my name do I look up from the tile flooring. My mouth drops open and it takes me a few heartbeats to find my voice.

“Briar?”

Her eyes soften, and she smiles. “Hey.”

“What are you doing here?” I can’t pull my eyes away from my twin sister.

She shrugs. “I was in the neighborhood.” I give her a disbelieving look, and she chuckles. “Fine. I knew you were nervous about today, and I wanted to be here for you. I’m just going to sit out here and wait, and if you need me, I’ll be here.” She glances at my husband, who has yet to speak but still has his arm wrapped tightly around my waist. “I know she’s yours now, and I know you’ve got her, but I needed to be here. I could feel it here”—she places her hand over her heart—“that you needed me.”

“She is mine,” Maddox tells her. “But she is also yours. We’re a family, and our girl needs both of us.”

Tears well in my eyes. For so long, it’s been Briar and me against the world, and now, here is this man who I’ve completely fallen for standing tall next to me, supporting me in ways I never thought possible.

Heels clicking gain our attention, and I turn to see Susan walking out of her office. “Good morning.” She smiles. “Briar, I didn’t know you’d be here.”

“Just hanging out here in the lobby. I have a book with me.” She pats her purse.

Susan nods. “Hi, I’m Susan.” She offers Maddox her hand.

“Maddox Lanigan, Brogan’s husband.” He introduces himself, and if I’m not mistaken, there’s a hint of pride in his voice.

“Nice to meet you, Maddox. Are we ready?” Susan asks us.

I nod, because I can’t seem to find the words. Maddox and I move to follow Susan into her office, but I stop and turn to look at Briar. “Come with me?”

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