Page 48 of Tangled in Vows

Since Holden and I weren’t really on speaking terms when I found out, I never told him to his face what a fantastic thing it is they’re doing. There are so many young people out there who are desperate for a helping hand and a safe place, and these guyshave been able to provide those in need not only with shelter but also food and everything else essential for school and daily life.

They also have a group of lawyers available in case they need legal help to escape unsafe situations.

I could have used one of those places myself when I ran away.

But then you wouldn’t have met Holden.

And wouldn’t that have been a shame? No matter how mad I was at Holden, I could never genuinely regret knowing him. Not to mention, I’ve wondered more than once over the years if I would even have a career if I hadn’t met him. Something inside me thinks the answer is no. He’s the one who pulled some strings and connected me with Todd, who then introduced me to my former manager, Gavin, at my record label. And my career started.

Evie keeps sending me weird side glances as we go inside and walk toward the oversized lounge in the back, clearly not believing I’m okay. We pass several office doors, restrooms, a kitchen, and an oversized lunchroom. Most of the bedrooms are upstairs, with a few additional rooms and other amenities in the basement. Neutral colors dominate the space, allowing the teens to add their own touch to it.

While the staff manages all the day-to-day activities, Holden, Archer, and Phoenix visit for self-defense and boxing sessions as often as possible. At the same time, Evie practices piano with the kids who are interested. I immediately asked her if I could come with her next time.

She answered with a big smile and an excited, “Yes, of course. The kids would absolutely love that.”

We try to come here together as often as our busy schedules allow, which isn’t nearly as frequently as I’d like, but I enjoy every minute of it. Singing with the teens, playing for them, answering questions, or even giving voice lessons to those interested has been incredibly rewarding.

Evie leans in. “Maybe we can talk Monica into singing her first solo today. Her voice is absolutely mesmerizing.”

I turn to her and clutch her arm. “I know. I swear, I got goosebumps the last time she sang. Her tone is so unique, I’m obsessed.”

Evie nods wide-eyed, and a warm bolt of gratitude for my friend rushes through me. There are many people in my life, but I quickly learned, even amidst a large crowd, you can still feel lonely.

Evie was the first real friend I got after Holden left. That she’s one of his best friends was a bit of a hurdle, one well worth jumping. Due to her growing online presence, I was already captivated with her exceptional piano skills before I ever met her. Some artists have that ability to reach deep inside your soul with their music, and Evie is one of those people.

I still remember my disbelief when I saw her backstage with Holden at one of my concerts. It was a total mindfuck. My knee-jerk reaction was first to hug him and then knee him in the balls. Thankfully, Evie still agreed to get together a few weeks later. The draw I’d already felt to her due to her music fully clicked into place, and she agreed not to talk about Holden unless I brought him up. She very begrudgingly agreed, though I often see the urge in her eyes to talk about her friend with me—even more so since the news broke about our marriage—but for the most part, she’s stuck to her promise.

I’ve always appreciated this because I don’t want to talk about Holden.

Why is this burning need to tell her how it felt to be in his arms last night and what happened in the kitchen this morning eating you up from the inside then? And the incessant need to also bitch about how he rejected you yesterday but then was very clearly happy to see you this morning.

“Hey there, Miss Parker.” Jamie stops a couple of feet in front of us. “How about that date we’ve talked about?”

I chuckle and shake my head at the lanky sixteen-year-old. He’s an absolute sweetheart with the confidence and cockiness of an alpha hero, which I assume is a front he puts up to deal with the crap life has thrown at him. But who am I to judge? Sometimes, we must do whatever is necessary to keep going, and often, remaining alive is all we can manage. Surviving is the ultimate goal.

The way you did when you ran away from your family to marry a stranger so the guy you were supposed to marry couldn’t get his hands on you?

Shut up, brain. I don’t need or want those memories. Not now. Not ever.

Also, despite sharing the same blood with my aunt and her family, I don’t consider them as such. Family doesn’t treat each other the way they treated me.

Monica comes up next to Jamie and elbows him in the ribs. He frowns at her, and she leans in to whisper something in his ear. They both stare past me, and Jamie’s eyes go comically wide. Jamie’s cheeks redden as Holden steps beside me and puts his arm around my middle.

“Is hitting on married women your new thing now, Jamie?” Holden’s deep rumble fills my ears. “In case you haven’t heard, Olivia’s my wife.”

Jamie stares at the floor and frantically shakes his head. “No, sir. My apologies. I . . . I didn’t know Miss Parker was . . . uh . . . Mrs.” His eyebrows furrow before he continues, “Mrs. Donahue, I mean. I wasn’t aware you two are . . . uh . . .”

My chest squeezes, and I smile at him. “Jamie, stop. You’re all good. Relax, okay? Holden was just joking.”

Jamie peeks at me through the shaggy hair that’s fallen on his face and nods. His gaze swings to Holden, who still hasn’t moved an inch or said a word. “Sorry.”

I elbow myhusbandin the ribs and raise my brows. “Tell Jamie you were joking.”

He leans in and whispers into my ear, “Joking about what? Youaremy wife.”

A shiver runs down my spine at the close contact, confusing my senses. My head tilts in his direction, as if my body has a mind of its own, bringing our lips closer together. Just a tiny bit.

Someone clears their throat, and I whip my head around.

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