Page 72 of The Guardian

“The worst part about it was she and Nick just moved on with each other like I never existed. Everyone who was supposed to be happy for Sierra and me were now in their corner. I never got closure, never understood what I did wrong. I mean, I could see if we we’d been fighting or were toxic and always breaking up, but it truly seemed like we had the perfect relationship. We always talked about how we were each other’s other half—how we completed each other and couldn’t wait to have kids and grow old together . . . and then, just like that, it was all gone.”

I stare off into nothing. It feels strange to say this out loud, because while my heart doesn’t still pine for Sierra—and honestly, I’m not even angry at her and Nick anymore—I still hurt for myself because I let it almost destroy me for so long.

“I wish there was something I could say that would make things better, but I know there isn’t. I understand now why you felt scared. I understand what it feels like to not feel like you’re enough for someone.”

“Yeah, that’s the worst part, ya know? Never understanding how someone you thought loved you and who you loved can make you feel the absolute worst you’ve ever felt. I guess I get scared of going through that again. I think that’s also why I was confused as to why you’d let Caleb back into Chloe’s life after he left. But I understand it’s not the same as my situation, and I can’t project my insecurities from my past onto you and Chloe. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I really do understand. For what it’s worth, Caleb did say he owes you an apology.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I told him we can work on that later.” She laughs. “Also, at the time, I wasn’t sure if it was something we’d even get a chance to talk about again when I saw Caleb earlier. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever see you again.”

“I’m sorry, baby. I hate that I made you feel that way.” I reach my hand across us and cup her face. “I’m happy to talk to him and apologize for how I responded. I want Chloe to feel supported by me and I don’t ever want to come between her and happiness.”

“You’re amazing, you know that, Mr. This-Is-All-It-Can-Ever-Be?” She gives me a snarky look and I swing her legs down, pulling her forward in her chair till my lips are on hers.

“Pizza’s here!” Chloe swings the back door open just as our lips meet. “Come on, lovebirds,” she says, making us both burst out laughing.

We eat dinner like a family—laughing, joking. We even play a board game and watch a few episodes ofHe-Manbefore Zara heads home and Juliette puts Chloe to bed.

“Do I get time with Mommy now?” I pull her hair back, admiring her long, slender neck in the mirror of her bathroom. I lean in, kissing the soft skin of her shoulder as I pull the neck of her blouse to the side.

“Is that what Daddy wants?” she giggles, her face turning red. “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I said that.”

“Mmm, Daddy. We could have some fun with that.” I reach my hand around and press it against her belly so she’s flat against me. “Maybe you’ll finally obey me.” I tug her hair gently. “Naughty girl.”

“You know, Chloe told me we should have a baby so she’s not an only child.”

My eyes look up to meet hers in the mirror. “And what did you say to her?”

“I told her not to get ahead of herself. She also . . . she said she wanted you to be her dad.” Her smile fades and she turns around to look at me. “What’s with the look?”

“I just . . . didn’t realize how happy it’d make me to hear that.” I shrug. “But I don’t think it’s getting ahead of ourselves.”

“You don’t?” Her eyes grow wide.

“No. Does that scare you?”

“I . . . no . . . but I just didn’t know if you were thinking that far ahead with us.”

“Baby,” I grab her hands, bringing her fingertips to my lips to kiss them softly, “I’ve thought of marrying you, growing old with you, having babies with you. This is it. You’re not escaping.” I smile as her face goes from surprise to happiness, the edges of her eyes crinkling with how wide her smile is. “In fact,” I pick her up and put her on the edge of the counter, “I think we should practice making those babies right now.”

“That sounds lovely,” she purrs as I drag my lips over her warm skin, my fingers undoing her blouse and pulling it from her body.

“You look like sex personified.” I pull back to look at her full breasts spilling over her sheer bra—her pink nipples visible through the material, her hair mussed and pushed to one side. “I could eat you alive,” I groan into her ear as I pull her bra straps over her arms, taking her breasts in my hands. “I still want to fuck your tits, see my cum dripping from your nipples.”

“I need . . .” she reaches for my belt, frantically undoing it, “Iwantyou,” she pleads against my lips as her hand reaches into my jeans, her fingers wrapping around my cock.

“Are you ready for me?”

“Yes, please.” She strokes me. I pull her skirt up, reaching beneath to slide my fingers past her panties.

“Oh baby, yes, you’re ready.” I pull my fingers back out and wrap my lips around them. “So wet. Fuck, you taste so good.” I slide my jeans down my ass, pulling my cock free. I slide my tip over her, through her panties. “Ask nicely.” Her eyes meet mine and I wrap my hand around her throat.

“Please,” she says.

“Please what, sweetheart?”

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