Page 73 of Mine to Keep

Bryn would not give Cheryl the satisfaction of getting into any kind of discussion about her and Jamison. All Cheryl wanted to know was if Jamison and Bryn were more than friends.

Even if they were, it was none of Cheryl’s business.

“That’s between Jamison and Gina and has nothing to do with me.”

Cheryl jerked her head back as she moved closer to the counter. “Are you kidding? He’s going to do the same thing all because he’s still in love with me.”

Oh, dear Lord. It took all the energy Bryn had not to bust out laughing.

“I don’t know what he’s told you, but he’s been through a lot and—”

“I’m sorry, but this isn’t my business, and you’re up.” She pointed toward the postal person waving at Cheryl.

“Oh. Well. Consider yourself warned. And tell Jamison to call me as soon as possible. It’s urgent.”

“Will do.” Bryn would wait to text Jamison until after she’d mailed her packages.

Cheryl finished her business and glanced over her shoulder.

Bryn did her best to ignore the woman while she piled her packages on the counter.

“Don’t forget to do what I asked,” Cheryl called.

“I’ll tell him.” Bryn waved and went about her business. Maybe she’d wait until she got home.

As carefully as he could,Jamison set Zadie in the bassinet inside the crib. He turned the monitor on and tiptoed out of her room, tugging the door closed. Once in the hallway, he exhaled.

He hadn’t realized that he’d been holding his breath.

He hadn’t babysat his nieces and nephews when they were this young, so he hadn’t realized how exhausting it could be.

However, he’d enjoyed every moment with Zadie. She was so sweet, even when she was screaming.

Only, he felt guilty that he’d been peering into her eyes to see if she looked like this Brenda Perish. He felt even worse for asking his private investigator brother to look into Bryn’s past and check into the possibility that she might be related to Brenda. That maybe Brenda was the sister she’d left behind.

But she’d said that her sister was alive.

Brenda was dead.

Had she not known about her sister’s passing?

That didn’t make sense. Or maybe it did. He had no idea. But he wanted to find out.

The sound of a vehicle pulling into the driveway tickled his ears. He hadn’t expected Bryn back this soon, but since she had planned to go to the grocery store, he’d better haul ass and help her with the heavy stuff.

He found himself practically skipping toward the front door. The spring in his step faded when he looked outside and found his ex-wife strolling up the walkway. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“I’ve been trying to reach you all day, but you don’t answer my calls or texts.”

“I’ve been busy.” Before stepping outside, he snagged the receiver for the baby monitor and set it on the railing. He tugged the door closed, knowing Bryn would not appreciate anyone in her home.

“You’re babysitting?”

“What I’m doing is none of your business.” He was so tired of this bullshit, and he couldn’t be nice about it anymore. His patience had beyond thinned. It was completely gone now. Especially now that Cheryl was messing with other people. “You can’t keep showing up in my life, and you certainly don’t have the right to show your face here unannounced. I know that Bryn wouldn’t appreciate it, and I can’t imagine what kind of business you have with her unless it’s to buy jewelry.”

“I’m not here to see her,” Cheryl said. “I’m here because I need to talk to you.”

“About what?”

---