Page 98 of Broken Strings

“When something isn’t in the cards for you, you learn to be grateful for the life you’ve been given.”

Her words from last Saturday—fuck, was it only last Saturday—resound in my ears as I close the space between us.

“No, Jess. I don’t hate your mother. I could never hate her. For one thing, she gave meyou.” I tug him roughly into my embrace when I see his bottom lip begin to tremble.

He wraps his arms around my waist, tucking his face against my chest as I press a kiss atop his messy blonde hair.

“I hate what has happened to us. Toallof us. But I don’t hate her.”

And that’s the worst part.

If I could hate her, I might be able to quit loving her.

“Come on, kid.” I ruffle his hair playfully while plastering a smile on my face. After fifteen years of practice, I’m a damn pro. “Let’s see what these guys have for dessert.”

CHAPTER26

CADEN

Followingan evening of Tiramisu and Twister—Mila had dug it out, claiming it was for Jesse, only to kick everyone’s asses with some Matrix-style flexibility—Henry and I ring down for our respective drivers.

Liv packs up Bash whilst Mila and Nate monopolise my son in a conversation about some new Netflix series that I have zero interest in.

“What self-respecting man watches that shit?” Henry’s face is scrunched up in pure distaste. “Hawthorne is such a fucking pussy.”

I snort, agreeing with Henry’s statement, but instead of verbalising that, I take the opportunity to irritate him.

“I agree. He really does love fucking that pussy.”

I watch his nostrils flare out of the corner of my vision, pressing my lips together so hard it hurts.

He bumps me with his shoulder forcefully enough that I stumble, and the laugh I was attempting to withhold rings out across the apartment. All eyes land on us, and I shrug like I’ve no idea what’s just happened.

“You make it too damn easy, brother.”

He rolls his eyes as everyone returns to what they were doing. “Jesse’s a great kid, Cade.”

I sober immediately, nodding my agreement. “It just stings that I missed out on so much of his childhood, you know?”

Henry’s brows draw together in a deep frown as he turns to face me. “Do you remember what you said to me? That day on the phone when you told me she’d come back?”

I frown in thought, immediately knowing what he’s referencing. My own words replay in my mind.

“I knew I didn’t need answers. I just need her. However she’ll have me.”

I don’t realise I’ve spoken them aloud until Henry questions me.

“Do you still feel the same way?”

Scrubbing my palms across the stubble on my cheeks, I blow out a heavy breath but opt for my signature satire. “Einstein said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”

“Ah, Cade. Have you missed the memo?”

I look at my best friend dubiously, and he continues, the beginning of a smile lightening his green eyes.

“All women drive men insane.” He leans closer to stage-whisper, whether conspiratorially or theatrically, I’m unsure. “Insanity is worth it when it’s therightwoman who’s driving you there.”

I see Liv wave Henry over in her peripheral vision before Jesse sidles up alongside us. Henry straightens and begins to move off, clapping Jesse on the shoulder in a loving gesture.

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