Page 60 of My Promise To Keep

‘Doug said he’s changed.’ We all turn to Cara, and she shrugs. ‘We were talking about him once after we went to dinner with him in the city, and I asked why he was still single, you know, because he’s a looker and has a lot going for him.’ She flushes a little pink in the cheeks, and I smile softly. ‘Doug said Leo had never wanted to settle down before, but then things changed for him, and he stopped sleeping around months ago.’

‘He said that?’ I question, without really meaning to, and she nods.

‘Yeah, he had a, um,’ she bites her lip like she doesn’t want to say what she’s already started.

‘Go on,’ Bree prompts in the way only Bree can.

‘He thought he got someone pregnant, and when she wasn’t, he had an epiphany, I guess.’

I inhale shakily. ‘Oh my god.’ My voice is a whisper as my hand comes up to my chest.

‘Honey.’ I feel Bree’s hand on my shoulder, and I turn to look into her eyes. ‘Go, talk to him.’

‘Wait, was that you?’ Missy asks, but I can’t tear my gaze from Bree’s.

‘I can’t.’ I stand and pace out of the room to the kitchen. I hear them all hot on my heels, but I don’t stop.

‘What’s holding you back?’ Cara asks.

‘All of it,’ I call out, losing my grip on my emotions.

‘One at a time, honey.’ My twin reaches out for my hand, Cara takes the other, and Missy takes one each of theirs until we’re standing in a circle.

‘He’s Luke’s cousin.’

‘Luke is gone, Zo, he isn’t coming back, and I know he would be happy you both found happiness.’

Tears wash over my eyes, and I shake my head.

‘What if Buck doesn’t forgive me?’ The first tears escape.

‘Buck adores you, Zoe, and he would get to see his son in love. There’s nothing to forgive.’

‘He’ll think we betrayed Luke.’

‘No, he won’t.’

I swallow as more tears roll down my cheeks.

‘Next?’ Missy prompts softly.

‘He’s Doug’s best friend.’

‘Doug will get over it,’ Cara says, with no hesitation whatsoever.

‘He lives in the city.’

‘It’s only an hour away,’ Missy replies.

‘I’m afraid I won’t be enough — that he’ll miss having multiple women.’

‘Sweetie, you are more than enough.’ Bree squeezes my hand.

‘Besides, we’ve heard you talk about sex,’ Missy smirks, ‘I know you’re a demon in the sack. He’ll be more than satisfied.’

They all laugh, and the moment feels good, but I’m still weighed down by doubt, guilt, and what feels like a million other emotions.

‘If it doesn’t work, I’ll lose him. I’m scared of losing him.’

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