Page 129 of Dirty Padraig: Dirty Dusters

He lets out a low whistle “Shit. So she lied all this time. Well, I guess that changes a lot of things.”

“It actually changes nothing.”

“It does mentally. You must be wondering what your life would have been like. There’s every chance you and Padraig may never have split up.”

“But then I’d have never gotten back with Ace.”

“Things happen for a reason, Jainie. I figure you were always meant to end up back with Ace for the time that you did. Fate works in mysterious ways. Who’s to say you’re not meant to end up back with Padraig after all these years? That it’s the reason the truth has only now come to light.”

“He’s married. He also gave me the green light to be with his own brother.”

“But you love him.”

“He doesn’t love me.”

“Have you asked him?”

“He’s married. Why would I ask him that?”

“Out of curiosity.”

I snort. “It’s not the sort of thing you ask someone out of curiosity, Duke.”

He chuckles. “I guess you’re right. And how are things between you and the eldest Duster?”

“We’re taking things one day at a time.”

“You love him still?”

“You know I do.”

“But?”

“I just worry that we’re not compatible. That we’re too different. I don’t mind how possessive he is, but I don’t like the over-protectiveness. I mean, if I ever want to do my sideline again, how will I be able to? He never lets me out of his sight.”

“You could just tell him about it.”

“I plan on doing that, but it doesn’t guarantee me any leeway with him, and you know it. He could then just see me as a trophy, lock me in a gilded cage, and throw away the key.”

“Or he may not.”

I pause. “Things have been different between us lately. I don’t know if it’s because I’ve asked him to change or if it’s for some other reason, but we’ve stopped communicating. I’m worried we’ve been through so much what we shared is no longer salvageable.”

“So, what’s the plan, then? Because with two little boys in tow, you can’t just live your life one day at a time, Jainie.”

“I realize that. I guess we need to find something to balance us.”

“Maybe it’s not something you need for balance, but someone.”

I stare at him. “Like relationship advice?”

“Nope.”

I frown. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

“Do you know the reason your birth parents split up?”

“Nope. Do you?”

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