Page 101 of All Her Broken Pieces

“I kind of like that,” I say, pulling back and wiping my face.

“Of course you do. We’re soulmates. And I also think that Ethan’s soul is perfectly matched to yours in ways mine can’t be. I hope you can talk this through with him. But no matter what happens, please don’t shut the world out. I know you may not feel like it, but there are people in this world who love you and need you. Like me. I love you.”

Her words remind me of something Ethan told me when he was staying with me after surgery, how he needed to tell the people in his life that they were loved. It feels like the universe sent me two souls to heal my broken pieces. Two reminders that I’m loved.

“I love you too,” I whisper against her.

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.” She chuckles into my hair. “Also, how long is this hug? Ready for me to let go?”

“No, but I need to.” I release her.

“I do have one question for you that’s been eating away at me since you texted.”

Unsure where she’s going with this, I take a shaky breath. “Okay?”

“How did you never put it together? You’ve been intimate with both of them. You’re telling me there were no similarities?”

“I’m not comparing their dicks and bedroom moves with you. That’s weird as fuck.”

“Jeez, I’m not asking you to do that! But they have to look alike. That’s all I’m saying. You never looked at Ethan and thought he looked familiar?”

“Honestly, no. Ethan must take after his biological mother. Hank has blue eyes and blond hair. It must be where all Ethan’s sisters get their hair and eye color, but I’d never met them until that night. Now that I know who their dad is, I could see him in them, but not in Ethan. I’m sure I could find some similarities if I put them next to each other, but the thought of that…” I don’t even want to try to compare the amazing man I’m in love with to the asshole that created him.

Becka nods in understanding. “So, what are you going to do?”

“I don’t know. I don’t see a way that we could be together. I can’t let Hank back into my life. He’s a reminder of my past?—”

“He’s a reminder of who youwere, not who youare. You’ve grown so much since he last knew you. Hell, you’ve grown so much just since you met Ethan.”

“But how would this even work? I’m not spending holidays around that man. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be comfortable being around him, and even though he hasn’t had the best relationship with his dad, Ethan shouldn’t have to choose between us.”

“For what it’s worth, he’d choose you. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. Ethan loves you more than anything.”

“But what if it’s not enough?”

“The way he loves you is more than enough. How did you leave things with him?”

“He came by after I ran out, but I made him leave. He packed a bag, and I haven’t talked to him since. He texts me every day, but I don’t reply. I told him I needed some time, but I’m struggling to see a way past this.”

“Take the time you need, but you should talk to him. Soon.”

I sigh and lean back against the couch. My body aches, and my exhaustion threatens to consume me. It’s amazing how deep emotions can wreak havoc on your body. It feels like I’ve had a hangover for a week straight.

Ethan’s face appears when I close my eyes, and it comforts me more than it should.

CHAPTER33

Ethan

Bridget, I love you and I’m gonna text you every day until you believe me. I know you need space, but I know we can get thru this

Good morning, sweetheart. I miss waking up next to you.

Told my dad to fuck off today. I’m so fucking mad at him for the shit he did to you. I’m sorry. I wish I could be there holding you right now

Got some cleanser and cream for my face today, couldn’t remember the brand you use, but this shit isn’t as good.

[selfie of my face with a puppy mask and pouty lips.] Your pup misses you

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