Page 126 of The Widower
Isabelle stayed silent for a few seconds, still facing away. When she finally turned around, there was something different about her face. A deep bitterness darkened her eyes—and I knew that was on me.
“Don’t give Hanna false hope.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I don’t want her getting even more spoiled than she already is. And that’s your fault.”
I frowned, confused.
I really enjoyed spending time with Hanna, and I wasn’t doing it to get closer to Isabelle. Both of them had a place in my heart—and neither needed to compete for it.
“Why are you so afraid of Hanna getting attached to me?” I asked, stepping closer. That’s when her anger finally broke through.
“Because she’s never had a father! Damn it! She doesn’t even know what that is—and there’s nothing between us.Nothing!”
“Isabelle…”
“What happens when this thing between us ends? Do you really think I’ll enjoy watching her see you as a father when you and I are… nothing? What the hell is wrong with you, Colin?”
“I can’t get you out of my head.I want you. I need you.”My words came out raw, stripped of any defense.
“Then if that’s true,” she said, her voice trembling but firm, “you’re gonna have to be honest with me. About everything. Even your past.”
My past isn’t something I talk about—with anyone.
The problem was, I didn’t want to let Isabelle go.
I honestly didn’t know what to do, because if I told her the truth, I’d have to tell her everything—and I was sure she wouldn’t be able to accept the man I became after that accident.
CHAPTER 29
“What would you do if you knew the whole truth?”
COLIN ADAMS
Long seconds of silence hung in the air.
I really did understand Isabelle, even if it didn’t look like it. I’d hate it if someone I cared deeply about kept something from me—especially if it were serious enough to change everything between us.
And that’s exactly what would happen if I told her everything.She’d never approve of the man I became after losing my daughter.
I didn’t know what to do—or how to act.I didn’t want to lose her, but I needed to be honest, because she’d changed me.For the better.
Before Isabelle and Hanna, I was a man with no purpose, trapped in the past.They showed me what it meant to live in the present, and now I couldn’t imagine a future without them.
“I think it’s better if I find another job,” she said softly, lowering her head, sadness written all over her face.
Her words caught me completely off guard, but I didn’t even consider the possibility. Isabelle wasn’t leaving.
No way in hell.
“No, you’re not quitting,” I said, my tone firm.
“That’s not your decision, Colin!” she shot back, matching my intensity.
“Yes, it is!” I took a step toward her, but she didn’t move.
She had no idea how hard it was for me to let her go. I’d been hiding my feelings well, but it was getting unbearable. She needed to know I was serious. I needed to prove it. I had to act like a man who knew exactly what he wanted.
