Page 103 of Temptation

“Why don’t I go grab some tests, and then you’ll know.”

I gripped the edges of the chair. “No. I can’t.”

“Kendall,” she said. “What are you going to do? Just pretend this might not be happening?”

Knox had made it very clear that he didn’t want to have any more children.

“Yes,” I said firmly. Wishing it could be true. “I mean no… I want to give it a few days.”

I felt sick to my stomach. Heartsick. And just…so out of control.

Hadn’t I had to deal with enough between my mom’s cancer and everything with Jude? I didn’t know how much more I could take.

CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE

“Where’s Jude?” Graham asked.

It had been nearly two weeks since I’d heard from my son. He wouldn’t talk to me. He wouldn’t let me explain. He’d completely shut me out.

I was trying to give Jude space, but I wondered if he’d ever forgive me for what I’d done. I wondered if this was how it would be for the rest of our lives. I wondered if I’d been naïve to think that I could have a relationship with Kendallandmy son.

“He’s not coming.” I sipped my whiskey. I was attending the annual charity gala for the Huxley Family Foundation, but all I wanted was to be at home with Kendall.

“Everything okay?” Jasper asked, joining us.

“I fucked up with Jude.”

Jasper raised an eyebrow, and Graham grunted. “How bad?”

“Pretty sure if he ever speaks to me again, it will be a miracle.”

“What will be a miracle?” Nate asked, joining our group.

“Jude’s not speaking to Knox,” Jasper said. “Know anything about that?”

Judging from the way they were looking at one another, Nate did, in fact, know something. Nate huffed, and Jasper smirked.

Nate turned his attention to me, lifting his shoulder. “Jude asked if he could hide out at my cabin in Bear Creek for a while. I figured it had something to do with Chrissy and their breakup.”

“Have you heard anything from him?” I asked my brother.

Nate shook his head. “No. Why?” He furrowed his brow. “Did something happen?”

I hesitated, wondering if I should say anything, considering it was still a sensitive topic with my son. But if anyone might be able to help, it was Nate.

“I made a mistake. I hurt him,” I said, unable to admit the truth.

“So apologize. Buy him a new watch or something,” Jasper said, as if it were that simple. As if it could be fixed that easily.

“It’s not that kind of mistake,” I grumbled. “And he’s not five.”

Nate frowned. “Even if he were, that’s a terrible way to parent.”

“Daddy!” Brooklyn called, running up to us with Sloan in tow. Their dresses swished behind them. “Auntie Sloan and I are going to check out the view.”

“Okay, sweetie. Have fun.” Nate dropped a kiss on her head, and then Brooklyn was gone, dragging Sloan along. “I swear she gets bigger every day.” He watched her go with a wistful smile.

“I remember those years,” I said. “They’ll be over before you know it. And she’ll be an adult and—”

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