Will was silent for a beat. “How are you feeling about that?”
“It’s tearing me up inside,” I admitted. “I know it’s irrational, but the thought of someone else being in their lives, being part of their milestones—it’s hard.”
“It’s not irrational,” Will said gently. “It’s normal to feel that way. I’ve been there. When Kelly introduced Jeff to the kids, it felt like the ground shifted beneath me.”
His words were comforting in a way I hadn’t expected. He understood. He wasn’t just saying the right thing,he knew.
“What if they like her more than me?” I whispered.
“You’re kidding,” Will said. “You’re their mom. No one can take your place.”
I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me, and let his words sink in. “Thank you,” I said softly.
“For what?”
“For picking up when I called. For understanding.”
“Always,” he said. “If you need me tomorrow, call. Anytime. I miss you.”
“I miss you, too.”
I hung up feeling a little lighter. Jason’s world might be changing, but mine didn’t have to collapse. I still had my kids. And maybe, just maybe, I had someone who truly cared about me too.
CHAPTER 26
START ME UP
WILL
After Natalie’s emotional week, I felt like she was finally opening up to me. Seeing her mad at me for the first time, with her little fury bubbling at school, was strangely adorable. She looked so damn cute; she didn’t even realize it—but I did. And I was falling for her even harder.
When she shared about Jason meeting someone new, I felt grateful. It was a big step for her, and selfishly, I couldn’t help but wonder if this would nudge her toward letting herself move on.
The past few years taught me a lot about marriages—what works, what doesn’t, and what I could have done differently. I wasn’t an expert, but I knew one thing: with Natalie, I had to be patient. She was going through it.
By Saturday, I wrapped up work to clear my plate before the holiday mayhem. Lori had been hounding me about paperwork, and I made sure every detail was finished so she couldn’t breathe down my neck next week.
That evening, I had dinner plans with my sister Sarah, her boyfriend Todd, and Evan at a classic Newport spot, A’s Restaurant. Tomorrow, Evan and I would settle in for a full day of football and beers, but tonight, I was cutting loose. No kids. No responsibilities. I decided to Uber so I could let go properly and nurse the hangover guilt-free in the morning.
Dinner was filled with laughter. Evan kept us roaring all night, and Todd fit in like he’d been a part of the family for years. Toward the end of the meal, Sarah excused herself to the restroom, and Todd cleared his throat.
“Since we have a moment here,” he began nervously, “I wanted to ask for your permission to propose to Sarah.”
For a moment, I was stunned. Then I stood, hugged him, and said, “Todd, I didn’t think anyone would ever come close to being good enough for Sarah, but turns out you are.”
Todd’s eyes welled up, and Evan, for once, didn’t make a joke. He slapped Todd on the back and said, “Sarah is like a sister to me. I know you will take good care of her.”
“You have our approval,” I added. “But have you talked to the big guy yet?”
“I did,” Todd said, looking relieved.
Sarah returned just as we were regaining our composure. “Was someone crying here?” she asked, eyeing us suspiciously.
We laughed it off. I suggested a nightcap at Lido House, a bar nearby.
We played shuffleboard and kept the drinks flowing until Sarah finally announced, “Nothing good happens after midnight. We’re calling it.”
We waved them off and stayed a little longer, but Evan, unsurprisingly, was soon surrounded by a group of twenty-something women. While he worked the crowd, I decided to send Natalie a text.
