Page 78 of Begin Again

He let out a breath and texted Liz. He didn’t want to wake her, but it might help her to know it was fine.

When his phone rang, he answered it. “Hey, sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“It’s fine,” Liz said. “I couldn’t really sleep. I was lying here more than anything. I think I’ll go home now. Your bedroom is too light for me to sleep in.”

He smiled. “Okay. Want me to come over and go there with you?”

“No,” she said. “I’ll be all right.”

He was going to argue but then told himself it was better to let her go. She’d call him if she needed him. She’d done it already.

“I told my father and brother what happened,” he said.

There was a pause. “Why?”

“Zoe asked how you were doing this morning. Don’t worry, she doesn’t know anything other than Dylan was on his way home and then he ended up with us. Dylan didn’t tell her anything other than your ex was in town, but I think she put some together. But then my father and brother walked in and heard some of it and wanted to know what was going on. I didn’t give details on your marriage or anything. I hope you know I wouldn’t do that.”

She sighed. “I know. It’s hard to hide it forever. More so when he shows up like that.”

“Which brings up another point,” he said. “I know it’s your choice and I wouldn’t push you. But you should tell your father not only what happened today but also what has led up to it. It’s too hard to keep facts straight and who knows what. I think your father might surprise you.”

“You’re right. I know you are. I thought of that last night too. Telling him now will let him see that I’m on the other end of it. That I’m fine.”

He wasn’t so sure she was completely fine but then wondered if anyone would ever be.

“Good,” he said. “I’m glad you are thinking that.”

“I’ll see if they can have dinner tonight at my place. So I probably won’t see you until tomorrow after you get out of work.”

“That’s fine,” he said. “Call me later though.”

“I will. I love you, Christian.”

He smiled again. Much brighter this time. “Love you too, Liz.”

He hung up the phone. “Awwww,” his sister, Kaelyn, said, standing in his doorway. “That’s so sweet. Look at our family all finding love.”

“What are you doing here?” he asked. “Don’t you have a job to be at?”

“I took a few days off. I told Whitney I’d take Ben today to have a playdate with Scarlet.” Whitney had a stepson that was the same age as Scarlet. They both had babies a few months apart too.

“That will be fun for you,” he said. “Added to having River in the house.”

“Harris is home. He’ll deal with River. Or help. You know, that is what it’s like when you’ve got the person you love in your life. They help you out.”

His sister was smirking at him. “You’re right,” he said.

“I really like Liz,” Kaelyn said. “I’m glad you two found each other again.”

“Me too,” he said.

His sister laughed and left his office. He heard her a few down talking to Whitney who must have just come in with Ben. His cousin flexed her hours to meet the needs of her family, just like he’d called in yesterday and no one said a word about it.

He hadn’t told them what was going on, just that he wasn’t coming in.

He’d never take for granted the support his family gave him and he hoped that Liz understood that they were giving it to her too.

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