Page 31 of Always a Fake Bridesmaid
“Because you needed him to.”
Why did I understand and hate that statement? “It’s another mistake. I thought I could trust Brick. I was wrong.”
“You were young and Brick and Ewan aren’t even in the same stratosphere when comparing the two. You and I both know that.”
“But Ewan’s whole life is up north. He lives on a ranch in Wyoming. Clover Lake is a small town and his family and Jackson’s practically run the place. It’stheirplace. And I don’t think it’s something meant for a Montgomery.”
“Well, to start with, long distance relationships can work for a little while. It gives you time to sort things out.”
I shook my head. “That wouldn’t be fair to Amelia.”
Aria winced. “I realize you have a support system here, but that family has a private jet.” My cousin rolled her eyes. “Which is insane to me, but I’m off-topic here. It’s notthatfar. Even driving it’s not that far. Yes, your family is here, but you know damn well I would be up at that ranch to visit you as much as possible. Clover Lake sounds adorable and in need of a Montgomery. I mean, every small town is in need of a Montgomery. You told me he said that he would’ve found a way to stay. And I believe that. But your job is easier to move. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if we build a Montgomery home in Wyoming just to be closer to you and Amelia. You know us, we sort of take over the world.”
I let out a watery laugh and shook my head. “Three days. It’s been three days and I miss him so much. It’s ridiculous. I barely even know him.”
“These weeks have been the most intense, and youdoknow him. Take it from me, watching the person that you crave and are perfect for walk away tears your soul right out of your body, and there’s no coming back from that. I know it’s not going to be easy. And it’s going to come with obstacles that no one is prepared for, but at least one of us should have a happy ending, right?” She blinked away tears.
“Aria, what’s wrong?”
She shook her head, rubbing her hands over her face. “This is not about me. I realize I circled toward my own problems, but this is about you. If you want Ewan, you shouldtry. Don’t walk away because you’re scared of what happened with Brick. That man doesn’t matter. And I know I’m going to hell for speaking ill of the dead, but he was never here, Livvy. The part of him that mattered in this life of ours died long ago. It’s not fair that life is too short but it’s also not fair that he left you scrambling. Yes, you got Amelia out of the deal, but that’s the only good thing that matters.”
I reached out and squeezed her hand. “I don’t want to confuse her.”
Aria gave me a sad smile. “Take time to talk it out. Figure things out. I know you can.”
“But what if Ewan doesn’t want this?”
“But what if he does?”
“Mommy!” I whirled as Amelia came running toward me and stopped quickly right in front of the couch where Aria and I sat.
“What’s wrong, baby girl?” I asked, searching her face for glimpses of Brick. Only I can’t find anything. She looked so much like a Montgomery, so much just Amelia, that I couldn’t see the man who was half of her genes. But he had been zero part of her life. One day I would have to talk to her. One day she would have to know exactly what happened.
But not today.
“I drew a picture of the flowers Mr. Ewan gave me. But I want to draw a horse. I’m not good at it but he said he would help me. When is he coming back?”
Aria gave me a look, and I ignored her even as my pulse raced. “Mr. Ewan went home, Amelia. He lives far away.”
Amelia’s face fell. “But I love him. He’s growly and smiles. And he tickles me with his beard. And he tucks me in. And he loves me too. Why can’t I see him?” she pouted, and I blinked away tears, wondering how I could’ve made so many mistakes. I had tried to protect Amelia, just like I tried to do the same for my heart. And I had failed utterly in both cases.
I had lost something I hadn’t even realized I had held, and I needed to fix this.
“Mr. Ewan is such a good man, isn’t he?” I asked, my voice soft.
“The best.” Amelia nodded enthusiastically. “I want to see him again. When?”
“I don’t know, baby.”
Tears fell down my daughter’s cheeks, and I pulled her into a hug, my own tears following.
“I want to see Mr. Ewan. Please? Can we visit? Can he come here? I love him.”
I could hear Aria sniffling next to me as I pulled Amelia into my lap and rocked her.
“I’ll fix this, Amelia. I’m going to try, okay?”
“And will he stay here like before? Or can we go there?” Her eyes widened. “We can bring Grandma and Grandpa and see the horses.”
