Page 54 of Broken Dreams
“Famous last words.”
* * *
He sent a text a few minutes ago that he was about ten minutes away, and I’ve been pacing by my front door ever since.
“Why are you so nervous?” Blakely asks. My eyes meet hers and I swear the look on my face must be priceless because she bursts out laughing. “Okay, I guess you’re worried about me?”
“What was the first clue?”
“Oh, I don’t know, you’re pacing for one.”
Brielle walks over, Elodie in her arms, and her kind eyes meet mine. “Is it me? Are you worried about me meeting him?”
That’s part of it, but I really didn’t think about that as much as I should’ve. If I’m honest, it didn’t even cross my mind, I’ve been so focused on Blakely that I didn’t consider my sister-in-law.
I turn to face her, seeing so much of her brother in Elodie. While she has my coloring, she has his nose and smile. Looking at Brielle holding a part of him, my heart aches a little. “Brie...”
She shakes her head. “My brother would never want you to be alone, to spend your life mourning him. He loved you so much and I’m just so happy you found someone. So if it’s me, please put that to rest. If it’s Blake, well, she’s an asshole so just chalk it up to that.”
I laugh and the nerves I’ve been struggling with settle just a bit. “Thank you for saying that.”
“I mean it,” Brielle says softly. “I want nothing more than for you to have someone who loves you.”
That jars me. “No one said love.”
“I know that! I was just saying in the future. No matter who it is.”
“I love you, Mommy.” Elodie’s sweet voice fills the room.
“I love you most.” I tap Elodie’s nose and then Brielle puts her down. I look to my sister-in-law, who is one of my best friends. She’s always been there for me, kind, understanding, and supportive. We don’t need to say anything to know what the other is thinking, it’s in her eyes and I love her for it. I pull her in for a hug and kiss her cheek just as I hear a car door close.
Damn it. He’s here.
It’s okay, Addison, this will be fine. You’ll keep it together, and no matter what, you’ll survive.
At least I hope so.
Blakely is at the window, pulling the curtain back. She laughs softly. “I definitely see the appeal.”
Jesus Lord. “Blakely!” I hiss. “Get away from the window.”
She rolls her eyes. “Shut up, I’m getting a first look.”
I pull her back and then command them both to go to the couch and wait. Elodie climbs up in her aunt’s lap and giggles. I walk to the door, open it, and wait for Grady and Jett to come up the steps.
“Hey, guys!”
It’s clear I’m nervous since my voice cracks at the end. Jett rips his hand out of Grady’s and rushes to the door.
“Elodie!” he yells and she’s running to him too. The two kids hug with huge smiles and then run to the play area.
“Well, that’s the cutest thing ever,” Blakely says and then I refocus.
“Grady, this is my friend and business partner, Blakely Maxwell, married to one of my best friends from Oregon. And this is my sister-in-law, Brielle.”
Brielle is the first to move. “It’s so nice to meet you.”
Grady gives her a smile that would have any girl ready to swoon. “You too, I’ve heard a lot about you.”
