“As long as I did what he wanted, things were fine. When I wouldn’t…”
“That tells me the man isn’t as smart as everyone thinks,” Fallon said in a matter-of-fact tone. “You, my dear sister, are a catch. Not only that, you care about others. Your family, friends, clients. If Blaise can’t see that, then the man is an idiot and doesn’t deserve you.”
“Thanks.” Hadley had been positive he would understand about Wes. She was disappointed Blaise hadn’t, but she’d never expected things to explode the way they did. “I feel so stupid.”
“I only met him the one time, but he fooled the kids.”
Her heart dropped. Audra and Ryder had enjoyed spending time with Blaise.
“Before you worry about Audra and Ryder, they only saw him twice. They know he lives in another state. It’s no big deal.”
Except this was another guy disappearing from their lives. Hadley wouldn’t introduce any men to them again. Not until she knew…
Knew what? That a relationship would last? That the feelings were real? That her love wasn’t unrequited?
Love.
A sob escaped.
“Hey.” Fallon’s voice softened. “It’ll get better. Even though it feels like you’re sinking and will never be okay again, you will be. You want to know how I know that?”
“How?”
“Because my smart sister told me that when I didn’t want to get out of bed ever again,” Fallon said. “And you were right. Every day gets better. And one day, we’re both going to meet men who are different from those in our past. They won’t be perfect, but they will be what each of us needs. And the heartache and pain we’ve suffered will make the upcoming happy times worth it.”
Hadley hoped so. Though “one day” would be a long time for her. Her heart needed to recover. “Thanks.”
“And you know what?”
“What?” she asked.
“Someday, Blaise will regret what he lost.”
Wait. Fallon didn’t know about the bet. Even if she knew about it, the bet was still going on. “He hasn’t lost anything.”
“I meant you, silly.”
Hadley inhaled sharply.
“I hate how this turned out for you,” Fallon said. “But each heartbreak brings you one step closer to finding true love.”
An elderly couple strolled by with their hands linked. Love radiated between them.
That’s what I wanted.
What I thought I found with Blaise.
Except Hadley had been fooling herself to think they belonged together. The billionaire and the matchmaker. Both with companies to run in different states and a family who needed her. “I was daydreaming. Getting caught up in the fairy tale.”
“I don’t blame you,” Fallon admitted. “It was a good fairy tale while it lasted. But there’s a happy ending out there for you and for me.”
Fallon deserved one. And…
So do I.
“Someday…” Hadley said.
“Someday,” her sister repeated.
