Page 64 of Rejected Pretend Mate

"I regret not telling you, and mostly because I knew how you would react, but I don't regret spending time with your sister. I don't regret falling in love with her and wanting the bestfor her. I don't regret finding her. And I want to make up for leaving her. I did it to protect her, and I'm part of the reason she's in this mess to begin with."

"I am as well," Cayden said, walking over and leaning onto the railing. "I wish I had just told her why I left. I could have taken her with me."

I had thought the same thing myself when I left. Why don't you just take her with you? But I didn't think I would make it, let alone bring her with me. I wouldn't want to take her down with me if I failed.

"I want to give her the life she deserves, and she deserves this."

"I know…and I know you'll treat her right. While you might have been a guy that fucks everything that moves, you've always been respectful."

I scowled at him. "Yeah, I didn't tell Riley how much of a whore you were. Do you really have to bring up how bad I was?"

He smirked. "Yeah."

I rolled my eyes, looking back at the view. I could see a future here, and I had thought that the second I stepped onto the lot.

"You'll make a perfect husband and brother-in-law," Cayden said.

I glanced at him. "Aren't I already your brother-in-law?"

He nodded. "Yeah, but this is for real. I know you won't be leaving here as soon as Ivan is out of the picture." He patted me on the back. "I'll have Riley pick me up. Call her. Let her know you have the house."

Cayden left, and I pulled my phone out, dialing her up. I smiled as I looked at the view, eager for her to show up. I wanted to see her reaction when she saw the house.

"Hey," April answered, "Where are you? I just got home."

"Out, I actually have a surprise for you. Can I send you the address of a place?"

"A surprise?" April laughed. "What is it?"

I smiled. "You'll have to come and find out."

She laughed, and I could hear rustling in the background. "I'd love to, but I was actually going out for dinner with the girls. Do you mind if we do this tomorrow?"

I nodded, knowing this could wait. The house was ours. I already bought it, so it didn't disappear overnight. I could bring her and watch her react as we pulled up.

"Yeah, that's fine. We can do this tomorrow. You have a good time with the girls, tell them all I say hi. Let me know if you need me to get you when you're done."

"Sounds good, I'll let you know."

I ended the line and took a deep breath, feeling at peace. I turned back, staring into the bedroom, and I could picture it. I could see us lying in a bed and the kids climbing in with us. I suddenly grew giddy about the future.

Chapter 25 - April

I stared at myself in the mirror and smiled. I couldn't remember the last time I felt happy like this, excited about something—truly excited. We were having girls' night, and I couldn't wait. I knew they were going to have tons of questions since the screaming match the guys had, but I had answers. I didn't have to act or keep anything a secret this time around. I could just be honest.

I applied my lipstick, taking in my outfit. I was wearing ripped jeans and a black lacey top. I pulled my hair half up, at least keeping my bangs out of my face. The blouse rose at times, which showed in my belly button piercing.

It was an outfit I used to love but stopped wearing for various reasons. Ivan had hated when I showed my belly button off, but of course, he loved it when we were alone, and he'd aim for the damn thing.

But the girls and Weslie made me feel like I belonged and all my extra things were okay. He loved my tattoos and piercings and accepted me for who I was, and it was comforting.

I grabbed my shoes and headed down the hallway to leave. I slipped my shoes on and turned to grab my phone when someone knocked on the door.

"One second," I said, searching for my phone. I patted myself down and scowled. "Where the fuck did I leave it this time? I swear I had it just a moment ago."

I'd been scatterbrained the last few days. I wasn't sure if it was the nerves from Ivan or if it was just because I was feeling comfortable there.

"I just had it," I grumbled, trying to retrace my steps. I was on the phone with Riley in the bathroom and then on the phone with Weslie in the living room. I thought I had set it in my pocket or left it on the couch.

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