Page 23 of Sacrifice
“Makenna asked me to do a favor for her down at the studio.”
I know once I tell them about our photoshoot, they’re going to ask a million questions we don’t have time to answer. I’m more focused on getting a few minutes alone with her.
“Uh-huh,” Layla says, trying to figure out what’s going on between us. “Well, Ms. Haelynn, if you didn’t know, my brother is single. He’s a great catch.”
I cover my mouth, trying to contain my laughter.
“He’s got a great job with benefits, a house he pays for, and no crazy baby momma’s out there for you to worry about,” Layla jokes.
Haelynn joins in with my laughter at the mention of no baby momma’s. I’m thankful she doesn’t seem to be taking her comment personally when we both know her ex would fall in that category himself.
“He’s sweet, caring, and the best uncle around.” I raise my eyebrows in surprise.
“I said around, chump. Cool it, once Lee is back in town, he’ll be making a run for that title.”
I chuckle, nodding in agreement. “You’re right, you’re right.”
Haelynn puts in her order with Brit while they chat about the twins and how great the photoshoot went.
“We’ll actually be bringing the twins with us to Makenna and Alex’s place this weekend. You should come by with Huxton,” Brit mentions.
Haelynn peers over at me and smiles. “We were just talking about the grill out the other day. Huxton will be with me this weekend, so it works out perfect,” Haelynn says.
I notice her subtle way of acknowledging Atlas must’ve backed out like she suspected.
“I need to take off to get to school or I’ll be late.” Layla gives me a hug. She turns to Haelynn, telling her how great it was to see her again, waving goodbye to the group before she slips outside.
Brit has a line of customers forming out the front door, so we duck out behind her. I’m thankful for the opportunity to have a few minutes alone with Haelynn. She clutches her bag along with the coffees for her and Makenna in her hand.
“Here, let me take that off your hands.” I reach for her bag, holding it along with mine. We stroll out the front door over to the small parking area.
She points to her car parked just a couple spaces from mine. I follow along behind her, reaching to open the door.
“How was Huxton’s first day of school?”
She leans over to set the drinks inside before turning to face me. It’s hard to read her expression. She looks lost in thought, but there’s a mixture of sadness there too.
“Is everything okay?”
“Yeah.” She brushes her hair away from her face. “It’s good, really. It’s a big step, and it’s hard to watch him go.”
“I’m sure it’s not easy, especially as a mom, but it’s good for him. Think of all the fun he’s having and the new friends he’ll make.”
She smiles. “Oh, he is. I heard all about it over dinner last night. I wasn’t expecting to get emotional until you brought it up. It’s just, his dad never even checked in on him last night on how his first day went. But you… you remembered.”
She blinks through the tears forming in her eyes, sucking in a deep breath to try and collect herself.
I set my coffee down on the hood along with the food and take a step closer to her. I’ve missed touching her. Seeing her upset now, I can’t resist the chance to pull her into my arms. She comes to me easily, wrapping her arms around my waist.
“Thank you,” she whispers. Her words are muffled against my chest.
I run my hand over her hair and her body relaxes, her arms tightening around my waist.
“I know I joke how you always know the right thing to say at the right time. I’m not used to it. You pay attention, you notice the little things. There’s a part of me that wants to pull back and question everything, but when I’m around you, I just… I can’t.”
“Good,” I say, pressing her back against the car door. “I don’t want you to pull away. I understand you’re hesitant and, at times, may want to run. I’ll go at whatever pace you’re comfortable with, but I’m not walking away.”
“You say that, but what if you change your mind? What if we let this go further and you realize you bit off more than you could chew with me?”
