Page 92 of Shattering

I want to be a good father.

I just hope I can be.

-Gray

Cadi had read it more times than she cared to admit.

As she swirled the last of her wine in the glass, watching the candlelight flicker off the rim, a feeling of calm settled over her.

She glanced at Gray, who was leaning back on the sofa, his long legs stretched out, looking more at ease than he had in months.

"How was your day?"

Gray exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "Good." He gave her a half-smile. "Got a theatre list tomorrow."

Cadi raised an eyebrow. "Big cases?"

Gray shrugged. "Couple o' knee replacements, then a trauma case in the afternoon. Nothin' I can't handle." He tapped his fingers idly against his knee. "It's good to get back."

Cadi studied him for a moment. He meant it. She could see it in the way his body wasn't weighed down, the way his voice didn't carry that constantedge of exhaustion anymore. She had never noticed it was there until it was gone.

"Glad to hear it," she murmured, taking another sip of her wine.

Gray stretched his arms over his head, muscles flexing slightly. "Missed it, ye know." He shot her a playful glance. "A man can only burn so many dinners before he realises he's better off cuttin' people open."

Cadi snorted. "That's not exactly reassuring."

Gray smirked, stretching his arms behind his head. "I've got a new one for ye."

Cadi groaned immediately, already regretting her question. "Gray, no—"

"What do ye call a fish that promotes healthy bones?"

She closed her eyes. "Please don't."

Gray grinned. "An orthopedic sturgeon."

Cadi let out a dramatic sigh, rubbing her temple. "This is what happens when you go back to work."

Gray chuckled, looking far too pleased with himself. "Ye married me, mo ghrá. That means a lifetime of bad jokes an' worse puns."

Cadi shook her head, but a brief smile tugging at her lips before her expression turned sober.

"I saw Regan today."

Gray looked up from where he was stretching out on the sofa, tossing a curious glance her way.

"Oh?"

Cadi sighed. "I was angry. Still am." She exhaled sharply. "She finally apologized. Admitted she was jealous. That she thought it was... satisfying when she believed I'd cheated."

Gray's brows furrowed.

Cadi let out a snort."She said she never meant for it to get this bad. But I can't trust her. Not anymore."

Gray studied her for a long moment, then leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I was guiltier than her, Cadi."

She frowned. "What?"

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