Blowing out a breath, I rip the band-aid off. “Listen, we both want what is best for Brielle. You have your theories about me, and I’m only going to tell you that you’re right. I’m a selfish asshole. But the thing is, I don’t care. If it means I get Brielle and can make her happy every day, then fine, call me selfish. I’ve waited ten fucking years for your daughter. There isn’t anything that I wouldn’t do for her. You either accept it or move on, because here is another thing, Jim. She’s going to be my wife, and I have no problem flaunting that fact in front of you for the years to come, because Brielle and I make one another happy. You don’t need to watch out for her, I’m her protector now. Whether you can move on or not, just know that she’s in good hands, and ten years can make your love for someone become unbreakable.”
Hitting the red button, I toss my phone to the sofa and finish my drink.
Not exactly an olive branch, but that felt damn good.
22
BRIELLE
Ihand my glass to Lena so she can give me a refill. We’re sitting on my sofa discussing life while enjoying wine and snacks.
“I’ll miss you if you move to Lake Spark,” she tells me for the millionth time.
“It’s not the other side of the earth. Besides, I’m not really sure we can make Lake Spark work because of wherever my career heads.” I swirl the wine around inside my glass.
“Huh.” She seems to be considering my words.
I take a sip of the wine. “What?”
“I know we’re mothers, so we tend to put our kids first, and you are allowed to have something for yourself, but the lawyer thing…” My eyes flutter while I wait for her to finish her sentence. “Is it actually what you want? Or is it what you think you want?”
“Of course it’s what I want,” I protest.
“I’m merely pointing out that sometimes we are so set on an idea that we want to see it through, even when we may have fallen out of love with it. I mean law, not Ford.”
Setting my wine glass on the coffee table, I understand where Lena is coming from. “It was a lot of years of studying to just let it all go. I want to see it through. Does it matter if I change paths later? At least it would be on my own terms.”
Lena grabs the chocolate. “The lawyer title would be your trophy to show everyone you achieved what you set out to do.”
I roll a shoulder to the side. “Maybe. But I also really do want to succeed at it.”
“I think Ford may be the reward. You get to enjoy rewards, trophies you just stare at.” She smirks.
“That’s a solid point. Anyway, I’m happy school has started again, and we can find a routine. This summer was a whirlwind.” I exhale loudly.
“Yet despite your hospital visit and crazy parents, you still have a smile that doesn’t seem to leave you. That’s a great sign.”
“It is, isn’t it? Wish my mind would catch up,” I admit.
“Sometimes I wonder if we really can have it all. If we always need to sacrifice something, you know, juggling motherhood, career, romance. It is possible, as long as you know that if someone were to snap their fingers, you close your eyes, and the first thing that comes to you is what is important. You know that you probably won’t see it all, but one thing. Tell me, the last few years, if you closed your eyes, what did you see?”
That’s easy, and instantly a soft smile graces my lips. “Ford and Connor.”
She splays her hands out to the side. “Voila, you have both of them. Life is pretty amazing right now. You just need to focus on that.”
I laugh. “Trust me, I would love to forget that Ford and my father are completely on the outs.”
“Does it get to you what your dad said? Do you believe you follow Ford’s lead?”
My lips roll in then quirk out as I twist the stem of the wine glass between my fingers. “Doesn’t someone always lead in a relationship?”
This time I catch Lena out, as she seems to be contemplating my words. “That normally means someone is waiting. Sounds like you both have been. Besides, Ford threw everything on the table and now he is giving you space and time. Isn’t that what he’s doing?”
I don’t hesitate. “He is.”
“Then tell your father to get a grip.”
“I should,” I admit. “Especially since I think everything is clearer to me. Life is filled with mixed moments. This summer has been amazing when it comes to Ford and me. Meh on the other stuff. But it’s okay, the incredible stuff is what matters.”
