Page 135 of Keep This Promise
“Thank you.”
“I’m happy for you both. I worried Holden would stay married to his job, but it seems he just needed to find the right woman he knocked up on that damn trip to Vegas.”
“Hey!” he says quickly. “I didn’t plan that trip. That was Isaac.”
She rolls her eyes. “I’m sure Isaac was totally the one who planned it. Let’s be real, it was you three.”
“I plead the fifth.”
They both chuckle. “I’m glad he came to Vegas. If not, we wouldn’t have Eden or be here today.”
Holden kisses my temple. “I’m glad too.”
Addison smiles warmly. “I’m happy it all worked out. You both deserve a lifetime of happiness. Listen, I wanted to thank you in person for the donation you made.”
I look away, feeling uncomfortable. After I insisted we go to the authorities to report the account, Holden had agreed, only to have them tell us that it was, in fact, ours. It turned out that they were not able to trace the money at all, thanks to my brilliant former husband.
“Please don’t thank me, I’m happy to ensure it goes to the charities best suited to helping girls in horrible positions.”
Holden grips my hand, squeezing it in support. That money has been one of the bigger fights we’ve had. He wanted us to keep some—for Eden. I wanted to drain the account and burn it.
We compromised, agreeing to help people and families that Kate hurt first, and if there’s any left, we’ll discuss it then.
“I know the last two months haven’t been easy,” Addison says with compassion in her eyes.
No, it hasn’t. The trial was exhausting. Not just because I’m pregnant but also because we had to relive it all and look into Kate’s eyes as she tried to defend herself. The evidence was overwhelmingly against her, and she was found guilty and is now awaiting sentencing in a federal court.
“It’s over now,” I say, feeling a new lightness since it was over.
Holden clears his throat. “Enough about the drama.”
“I think we’ve all had enough of it,” Addy agrees. “So, how have you found it here in Rose Canyon? The town is small, but the people are amazing.” She turns to the group of our friends and laughs. “Most of them. That lot is a mess.”
“Don’t listen to anything this woman says,” Spencer says as we approach the group. “She is not to be trusted.”
Addison laughs. “Yes, because you are?”
“I’m absolutely not to be trusted! Who said otherwise?”
Emmett laughs. “I sure as fuck didn’t.”
“Exactly.” Addison laughs. “You are all a bunch of jackasses who need to be smacked around, which is why I came here to whip you all into shape.”
They chuckle, and Spencer nudges Addison. “You lost that chance, sweetheart. You could’ve been mine or that fool’s, but you chose Isaac when you were too young to see us as the winners we are.”
“Please, I chose right. You were the last one I would’ve dated.”
Emmett raises one brow. “Oh? So, who would’ve won if it weren’t for Isaac?”
Addy shrugs. “Probably you. If I could have gotten over your facial hair at thirteen.”
Spencer bursts out laughing. “Only kid in eighth grade with a full beard!”
Holden tosses his arm over my shoulders, kissing my temple. “They’re all a bunch of dumbasses.”
Addison turns to him. “Oh, don’t get me started on you.”
“Me?”
