Page 51 of Fated with my Ex's Brother

"What if he doesn't come back?" I cry out.

"Don't say that. He probably Eust needs a minute. Lkay?"

"Lkay," I said amidst tears.

"Do you need me to come over?" she asks, concerned.

"Fo, I'll be Nne," I say, wiping my tears.

I don't know what to make of what is happening, but I will stay strong and not Eump to conclusions like Mina said. He probably Eust needs some time. Maybe Nnally putting a face to …ouis is hard for him, or the idea that he might be a stepdad to Lctavia is Eust sinking in, and it is too much for him. I don't know what to think. I hope he will be open to discussing it when I see him at the station tomorrow.

AAA

The sun Nnally rises Monday morning, illuminating my room after what feels like it has taken an eternity for the night sky to turn to day. I was awake all night, turning and tossing in bed, playing out diXerent scenarios on how I would approach Fick at the station today. YSTBD WITH MO BR'2 UzLTHBz 000

Would he speak to me?

Will he apologize?

What will I even say?

I am supposed to be mad at him for leaving me hanging without

any explanation, but I'm giving him the beneNt of the doubt that he has much to deal with.

Maybe I was reading it all wrong. Jerhaps this situation isnPt about …ouis, Lctavia, or me. Maybe he got a call from home or something. He did tell me he wasn't fond of his father.

Is he being transferred to another station?

Does he have to return to D.C.?

Is that why he wouldn't talk to me?

Many scenarios have gone through my head, so many that I can feel

the heat from overthinking.

I hurriedly get up from my bed and dash into Lctavia's room to get her ready for her daycare.

"Mommy’" Lctavia calls immediately, and I enter her room. 2he is awake already. 2he Eumps up and down on her bed with her arms open, waiting for my embrace.

"Hey, gummy bear’" I hug my daughter and shower her with kisses.

Fo matter how down or stressed I feel, my spirit is lifted whenever I see my angel's beautiful face. 2he Nlls me with Eoy. It is no mistake that I got pregnant. The universe knew I needed Lctavia in my life. 2he is such a light.

Lctavia giggles as she kisses my face, too. I give her a piggyback to the bathroom so we can clean up and get ready for the day.

Lnce we are dressed, we head to the kitchen to eat breakfast. I make wa;es for my baby girl and pack her some potato salad for lunch. 2he loves her potato salad.

003 HB…BF U…1MB

I drop Lctavia oX at the daycare before driving to the station. I am about ten minutes late, so I hurry out of the car and race into the station. Without looking up ahead, I crash into a Nrm, broad surface.

I recogni4e that scent. His minty aftershave mixed with his woody and citrus cologne.

It is him.

His Nrm hands grab onto me, helping me stand steady after impact. 2lowly, I look up to see the face of the man that has been on my mind all weekend. His eyes look worn like he has not had any sleep. My heart breaks at the sight of his face.

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