Page 29 of Frog Hog

I nod. How could I not? If I’m going to be inserted into the movieGhost, I need to see what I’m competing with. He grabs a key, pulls on his boxer briefs and walks to stand in front of the locked door. Suddenly, I’m not sure if I want to see inside his daughter’s room. It’s a piece of himself he didn’t give me willingly. He pushes the door open, and I fold my arms across my chest as I follow him in.

It’s adorable. It’s pink and flowery with princess bedding and a rose hued nightlight in the corner. My skin prickles at the realization of what is happening. Hutch flicks on a switch and waits for me to see it. On a long, white dresser, there’s a framed 8x10 photo of Hutch and Tabitha on their wedding day. He turns away from me, and sets his hands on his hips—leaving me to my own to gaze upon his past love.

Tears sting my eyes. Hutch looks so much younger, but his happiness is blatant. It’s not until I’ve studied his face thoroughly that I let my eyes flick to Tabitha. My first thought is that she looks nothing like me. She’s more beautiful than I could ever hope to be, but upon further inspection I see similarities. I pick up the frame to look closer. Her mouth and the way her eyes slant during a large smile, I’m there. My stomach flips.

“I’ll never be Briar’s mother,” I admit. “I can’t fill her shoes so I hope you don’t expect that from me.”

He doesn’t respond. He’s still facing away from me—his wide, muscular back on full display. I bluster on. “She doesn’t look like me, Hutch.”

I can see the tension roll from his shoulders. “I was so afraid of telling you. It seems I’ve done everything wrong with you, Valen. I didn’t give you enough respect. Or full truths. I needed you to know how this all began.”

“You could have kept it to yourself. In all honestly, I never would have connected the two, but I understand your need to be honest and I appreciate it.” I glance at the photo one more time and it’s a little less gut wrenching this time.

Hutch turns, and I see his gaze dart quickly to the frame and then back to me. “I don’t expect you to be Briar’s mother. I expect you to be Valen.”

“I can be that,” I say, letting my fingers graze over his chest, and down to his abs. “ThatValen?” I ask, teasing about the first thing he said to me.

He pulls me to his chest in a full, tight hug. My every curve pressed against his every hard ripple. “You forgive me?”

Sighing into him, I nod. “I do.” Forgiveness is more difficult than holding grudges. Who would I begrudge? His dead wife for having my smile? I swallow it down and vow to keep it buried where it belongs. Forsaking my love for Hutch isn’t worth any cost.

He leads me from his daughter’s room. I turn to look at the photo one more time before he turns off the light. I say a silent prayer I can be half the woman she was. For him, and Briar, and forher.

I also thankherfor having my smile. I’d never have him without it.

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