Page 79 of Molly

He sighs and stays silent for a few seconds before whispering, “Cos I’m a fucking idiot.”

“You love her?”

“Yeah.”

I nod, knowing he can’t see me, but there isn’t much else to say.

We stay on the phone in silence for a full minute before hanging up.

One broken heart talking to another.

45

RYAN

“Yes, Ma. I followed your recipe.”

“Did you burn them?”

“No, Ma. I checked them every two minutes, and I tasted them before I put them in the container. This batch is good.”

“Good enough?”

“Ma.” I sigh.

“She still won’t talk to you?”

“No, she hasn’t replied or reached out.”

“I’m sorry, baby boy,” she whispers.

“Yeah.”

“She’ll come around, Ryan. You’re a good man. Even though you’re an idiot at times.”

“Thanks, Ma,” I say sarcastically, rolling my eyes.

“I love you. Call me later.”

She hangs up.Good pep talk, Ma.

I look down at the container in my hands. I remade these stupid white chocolate macadamia cookies three fucking times. I followed Ma’s recipe to the T.

Right, Ryan, cos the quality of the cookies is what’s going to change her mind.

I get to her front door and crouch down to place to container on the doormat, but before I do, the front door swings open. I freeze, too scared to move in case it’s a trick or my mind playing games with me. I lift my head and see her for the first time in three weeks. My heart starts beating so fast I get slightly concerned. The lump that’s formed in my throat is making it hard to swallow. “Emma...” I whisper.

I stare at her in awe, fuck I missed her. Before I can move, she launches her little body into my arms, nearly sending the cookies flying. I put the container to the side and wrap her in the tightest bear hug possible without crushing her. “Missed you, baby girl.”

“Missed you! Pwease don't go away again,” she whispers in my ear. She pulls back and kisses my cheek and then wraps her little arms around my neck, clinging to me. I stand, holding her with one arm and grabbing the container from the floor with the other. As I lock eyes with Molly, I swear the earth stops fucking spinning. Jesus, she’s so beautiful. My chest literally hurts from the sight of her. These girls are going to kill me with all the emotions this moment is throwing at me.

She’s wiping tears from her face, and on instinct, I step forward to comfort her, freezing as soon as I move one foot. I’m not sure what’s going on or what I’m allowed to do. She lets out a wobbly smile, looks from me to Emma and then back and croaks, “You want to come in?”

“God, yes. Yes, please.”

???

“Goodnight, sweetheart,” I whisper, kissing the top of Emma’s head, pulling the covers up a little further to keep her warm. I close the door as quietly as possible and turn to see Molly standing at the end of the hall, waiting for me.

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