Page 45 of Silver Secrets

Understanding washed over Gunner’s features and he nodded, turning towards the kitchen. But his feet stopped moving just as Lily got down and wrapped her arms around Sloane.

“He cares about you, Sloane. He would have been more hurt if you didn’t call.”

“I’m so sorry,” she cried as Lily’s arms tightened around her.

“Don’t you dare apologize. This is what friendship is, Sloane. You picked me up and gave me strength to get through what happened last year. I’ll always be here to do the same for you.”

Sloane’s tears slowed and she took a shaky breath in.

“How are you feeling?” Lily asked as she released Sloane from her embrace.

“Like I got into a car accident and then I had to watch the man I could so easily fall in love with unravel because he thought he was going to lose me the same way he lost his wife and his son.”

A tentative smile graced Lily’s face. “The man you could fall in love with?”

Sloane buried her face in her hands. “I shouldn’t.”

“What do you mean? I think you two make such a cute couple.”

“He’s had his heart broken,” she signed. “Not even broken. Ripped right out of his chest. It’s buried with his wife and son. There’s nothing I can offer him. I’m broken. All I’ll ever be is a burden to him. I get it, he wants to protect me. He’s seen my broken pieces and he wants to put me back together because somehow he thinks that will fix him. But it won’t. And all I’ll end up being is a burden to him.”

“Sloane.”

“No, Lily. I want more for him. More than a life stuck with me when I don’t even know what physical connection I’ll be able to offer him. The way his eyes lit up talking about his son. He was meant to be a dad. I’ll never be able to give him that.”

“Okay. Everything feels really big and really raw right now. I get it. But slip on your professional hat for one second. If this was a situation a client brought to you, what would you tell her?”

“I’d tell her not to be selfish and to let him go.”

Lily rolled her eyes as she wiped the tears from Sloane’s face. “I think we both know that those words would never come out of your mouth. They sound much too bitchy. Therapist Sloane is compassionate and understanding, and it sounds like you could use more of her voice in that head of yours when it comes to your own self-talk.”

Lily stood, reaching her hand out to help Sloane to her feet. “Let's get situated on the couch. Gunner can bring us some coffee and we can properly figure this out.”

* * *

“Alright, handsome, you better come over here and spill your guts to me.”

Gage fought the urge to roll his eyes like a teenage girl. His relationship with Emma always reminded him of the relationship he had with his sisters. He cared for her deeply, but he wasn’t about to let her stop him from making sure Sloane made it to Gunner and Lily’s apartment without a problem. And he needed to make sure they convinced Sloane to take the day off.

“I just need one sec, Em. Gotta make sure Sloane got upstairs alright.”

She snorted as he walked to the kitchen.

Hey, Reap. Sloane’s on her way over to see Lily and Sage. Shoot me back a text that she got there okay.

He turned off the stove, grabbed the ingredients sitting out on his counter and put everything away while he waited for a reply. And waited. Holy shit, the seconds ticked by and before he knew what he was doing, Gage was walking back out of the kitchen towards his door. Just as he locked eyes with Emma, his phone buzzed in his hand.

She’s here. Crying her eyes out while Lil holds her. What the fuck did you do?

I didn’t do anything! Is she okay? Do I need to come over?

Never mind. Wasn’t supposed to tell you about the tears. She’s fine, but apparently Lily’s going to kick my ass. Thanks for that.

What the fuck is going on? I’m coming up.

Do that, and I’ll kick your ass after Lily gets through kicking mine. Sloane is fine. Give her a minute to talk with Lil and figure some shit out.

Fuck. How could he not have seen how upset she was? His cell buzzed in his hand again.

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