Page 114 of The Fiancé Hoax

Eva was right. Grown-ups could be silly sometimes. Or maybe it was just me.

As I got in my car and pulled away, I realized I'd been a fool.

I'd let the past dictate my life. I'd made some bad decisions with Gen. But that didn't mean I couldn't love again.

Sure, there was risk. I had hurt Felicity. She might not take me back. Even if she did, a million things could go wrong that might end up hurting both of us down the road.

But I couldn't give up on her just because I'd been disappointed and disillusioned in the past.

I had to show my girls what was important in life. Sometimes you have to take a risk for something important. You have to put your heart on the line for the people that matter even if you might end up hurting like hell.

Pulling onto the highway, I picked up speed.

I couldn't hide my true feelings for Felicity anymore. Not from myself, and not from her.

I had to fix things with Felicity, the only woman I’d ever truly loved.

29

FELICITY

I woke up feeling wretched.

I had cried myself to sleep in my bedroom at Cooper's house, knowing that I would soon be leaving his home. When I finally dragged myself out of bed after sunrise, I knew I couldn't go downstairs without putting on some makeup to hide the evidence of my crying spells.

Plus, I was still dealing with morning sickness. The smell of coffee turned my stomach, but luckily I didn’t throw up this time. I washed my face and got dressed, trying to convince myself everything was going to be all right.

I wasn't looking forward to seeing Cooper, but I at least wanted to see the girls. My time with them was dwindling. And I didn’t want them to remember me as the sad girl with bloodshot eyes.

But by the time I had slapped on a little concealer and mascara, they were already getting into Cooper's car.

Hearing the vehicle pull away almost made me start crying again, but I composed myself. Another busy day waited for me at the boutique, so I grabbed my things and left.

My new employee was in her car in the rear parking area waiting for me when I drove up. Katie, a sweet fashion enthusiast a few years younger than me, climbed out of her sedan and waved at me.

I got out of my car and went to unlock the back door of the boutique. “Hi, Katie. I'm not late, am I?”

She gave me a bright smile. “No, you're right on time. I just wanted to get here early.”

“Great.” I smiled at her. “I'm so glad you could start today.”

“I'm super excited to work here! I just love your designs, Felicity. I can't believe I never knew this place existed.”

That seems to be a common occurrence, I thought to myself. Or it was before Cooper came along.

Katie continued chattering, and I was relieved I didn't have to make much small talk. She was a nice girl, but I didn't have the energy to be outgoing today.

“I would have been in here all the time had I known about Moonstone. I have a feeling I'm going to be spending half my paycheck on your clothes.” She laughed.

I smiled, happy to have found such a sweet, cheerful employee. She was perfect. “Let me give you a quick tour, then I can train you on the cash register before we open.”

“Sounds good!”

I led her through the store, showing her the various clothing sections so she could familiarize herself with the inventory. I explained the custom-made children's clothing process, and she listened intently, even jotting down a few details.

“These girls' clothes are so adorable,” she gushed. “I have to get my sister in here—she’ll go wild over these designs. She has two daughters.”

A lump formed in my throat as I thought of Eva and Lily. “Really? How old are they?”

---