Page 124 of Unexpected Forever
My mind whirls with thoughts of “what now?”
Derek approached me again about my contract before we left the game. They’ve given me ample time to sign and met all my demands. They want an answer within the week.
The fact I don’t automatically choose Charley and the baby tells me what I’ve always feared about having a family with a career like mine.
Charley comes from a close family and that’s what I want for my child. To never doubt they are loved.
But for me, it isn’t in the cards. I’m more like my parents than I let on. I want to be different, like Megan. But I just don’t know how to do it differently.
Aidan’s words come back to me.
If you think you can’t handle this, walk away now.
I don’t know how I’ll handle my high-maintenance career and a family.
I don’t think I can.
I’m in love with Charley. I’d lay my life down for her and the baby she’s carrying.
My baby.
But I also know someday, I’ll hurt them both.
The job or the girl?
My stomach churns at the realization I already know my answer.
She deserves more than I can give her. I have to let her find someone who knows how to love, knows how to put her first without hesitation.
Even if it destroys me.
TWENTY-FIVE
charley
The next fewweeks fly by, and before I know it, it’s Thanksgiving morning.
With our family away on their trip, Nate and I decide to invite Lucas, Ian, Darcy, and Derek to Madison Ridge.
I go in search of Nate and find him in his office staring at the monitor in front of him, his hand covering his mouth.
“The catering staff are almost finished setting up.”
He looks up from the monitor and nods. “Okay.”
I smile. “Still the best idea you’ve ever had after my beef Wellington debacle.”
He frowns. “You didn’t need to do all the work anyway, Charley. You’re eight months pregnant.”
As if I could forget, but I don’t say anything.
Ever since we returned from Florida, things have been different between us.
And not in a good way.
He walks the caterer out, handing him a large cash tip and wishing him a Happy Thanksgiving.
He shuts the door and rubs the back of his neck, not looking at me. “I’m going to get ready.”
