Page 40 of A Me and Him Thing
I ring the doorbell, then we let ourselves in. There’s a decorated table set up in the foyer, covered with all sorts of delicious foods perfect for a brunch. People are standing everywhere, plates of food in their hands, visiting and laughing. I’m familiar with many of them since I lived here for so long. But I don’t reallyknowthem. Most of them know I was engaged to Sawyer and were invited to our wedding that never happened. I hope this doesn’t get weird.
“Beezy, Beezy!”
It’s Josie and Jordyn, running toward me with huge smiles on their faces. I kneel down and hug them tightly. I can hardly believe they’re three years old now. They seem so grown up.
My heart swells in my chest. They make my world right. I’ll never stop missing and loving them. I hand them each a cute teddy bear I bought for them, and they cradle them in their arms.
“Thank you, Beezy,” Josie says.
“I love him,” Jordyn echoes.
They look adorable in matching pink dresses. Their long hair is curled, with large bows holding it away from their faces.
“Mommy has lots of presents to open for our baby brother,” Josie tells me.
I hand Josie the four gift bags I’m holding, and Ren hands Jordyn the three gift bags he’s holding. I might’ve gone a little overboard in the present department. “Can you put these with the other presents?”
They toddle off, thrilled to have such an important job.
Ren smiles at me. “Wow. Kids don’t come any cuter than that.”
“Right?” That’s why it was so hard to let go of them.
“They obviously love you.”
“I love them too.” So much that I experienced temporary insanity at the thought of losing a life with them. Ugh. I don’t know that person anymore.
The crowd parts, and I see Sawyer and Quinn. Sawyer has his arm around Quinn, and they’re both smiling radiant smiles.
The golden couple.
Seeing their happiness doesn’t hurt like I thought it would. Instead, a surge of pleasure washes over me.
This is the reaction I hoped for.
Everything is right. Just the way it should be. Quinn has Sawyer, and I have Ren. I love having him at my side, feeling his body’s warmth next to me, his shoulder brushing against mine on occasion. His quiet strength bolsters me.
Quinn is obviously pregnant, but she’s not huge yet. She looks adorable though, practically glowing.
When she notices me standing in the foyer, she promptly ends her conversation and heads my way.
Good feelings are swirling inside me like they just exploded throughout my body. This is more than I hoped for.
“Bree, I’m so glad you’re here.” Quinn hugs me, her bulging belly between us. It feels so good to feel her love. “I couldn’t have my shower without you.”
She backs up, her eyes on Ren. “Hello, you must be Ren.”
“And you must be Quinn,” he says.
She holds her baby bump. “Lucky guess.”
“Figured that was my first clue.” Ren laughs, and they hug lightly.
“I’ve heard so much about you,” Quinn says.
“Don’t believe a word of it.”
I watch Ren’s eyes sparkle with friendliness. He has such a genuine smile. It causes a warm sensation inside me every time.
