I immediately called Brock on the phone. “Did you see Jessa leave?”
“Yes, but I’m on foot. I’ll follow as long as I can.”
I stared down at the papers in my hand, the city roaring around me.
On the top page, the boldface header waited where I’d left it.
RUMORS OF PREGNANCY.
The words stared back like a slap to the face.
I would’ve told you everything if you’d given me the chance.
What did “everything” mean? That the rumor was true? That it wasn’t? That she’d planned to tell me tonight, after the speech and the smiles, after I had paraded her through a room by my side, starting to believe in us?
If the baby was mine, why keep it from me?
If it wasn’t, who exactly was this stranger in my home, in my son’s life, in my bed?
If there even was a baby.
“Goddammit.” I hated how any of those questions existed. That one whispered report could make me look at the woman who lit up my home and see deceit instead of truth.
I’d promised myself never to love again. Never risk it; let no one in. Brick by brick she dismantled me until she curled into the space beside me and I lost control.
I fell—my breath hitched.
I fell completely in love with her.
Inside, guests had applauded the version of me that never faltered. Out here, I was a man holding onto the echo of a woman’s voice promising she would’ve told me—if I’d let her.
Maybe there was an explanation. Maybe there wasn’t. Either way, I’d let fear speak first. I hadn’t defended her. I’d watched Sam touch what wasmine,and I froze.
A horn blasted. The taillights of her cab long gone. Cameras popped all around me, capturing the moment I bled on the curb.
Chapter Twenty
THE RIGHT TIME
Griffin
By the timeI walked through my front door, my tie was strangling me and the clink of champagne glasses still rattled in my skull. Sam’s smug laugh haunted me. So did the look on Jessa’s face when she realized I hadn’t defended her. I ached everywhere, deep in my bones.
Richard and Paris were on the couch, a movie on the screen.
He shut off the TV upon seeing me. “Is everything all right, Griff?”
I pulled the tie loose. “Fine.” The word came out rough, unconvincing.
“Theo’s been asleep for a while. I called my dad to come get me once Jessa came home.” Paris tilted her head. “But she’s been crying. I wasn’t sure if I should leave yet.”
My heart clenched. “I know.”
Richard nodded toward the hall as they put their jackets and shoes on. “She wouldn’t talk to us. I think she’s been packing. Is there anything I can do or anything you need?”
“No, thanks for being here for Theo.” I pulled a wad of money from my wallet and stuffed it into Paris’ hands. Her entire face lit up. Richard complained it was too much. I didn’t care and thanked them for being here again.
I left them to leave of their own accord and crossed down the hall. Step by step, my pulse beat faster. I checked on Theo first, softly opening the door. He snoozed away, oblivious to anything but whatever a little boy dreamt of. For a second, I’d trade places with him and his uncomplicated life.
