I nod, trying to draw comfort from her words, but the ache in my chest won’t ease.
“Besides,” Bree continues, “Aidan might think he’s some big, tough guy handling everything on his own, but he doesn’t realize you’ve got twice the balls he does.”
I choke on a laugh despite my tears. “Bree!”
“I’m serious!” She leans back, crossing her arms. “Look at you. You’re growing an entire human being while dealing withhis ex dramaandstill showing up every day. Meanwhile, he can’t even have a simple conversation without going all caveman protective.” She mimics a deep voice. “Me Aidan. Me handle legal stuff alone.”
Her assessment is ridiculous but…oddly comforting. I can’t help but laugh.
“I just feel so stupid,” I admit, wiping my eyes. “I thought he and I were past this.”
“Look, men like him think being strong means carrying everything themselves. But real strength? That’s whatyou’redoing. Facing things, asking for what you need. At least that’s what my therapist says.”
This right here is why I came to Bree. This is exactly what I needed.
“Thank you,” I sniffle. “I just wish he’d see that shutting me out hurts more than whatever he’s trying to shield me from.”
She nods, tucking her feet under her. “So, what are you going to do?”
I close my eyes, exhaustion washing over me. “I don’t know. I told him I’d be back before Isla’s bedtime.”
“And you will be,” she says firmly. “But not before we eat something and you pull yourself together. No offense, but you look like hell.”
I smirk. “Thanks.”
“Come on,” she says, pulling me to my feet. “Let’s get some food in you. That baby needs nutrition even when Mr. Tall, Dark, and Grumpy is being an idiot.”
Then she leans down, dropping her voice as she brushes a hand over my stomach. “Sorry, little one,” she coos. “Your dad’s notreallyan idiot. Not all the time, at least.”
I can’t help the laugh that bubbles up as the tightness in my chest eases just a little.
forty-seven
AIDAN
How many times can I be a complete fucking idiot before I lose Lucy for good? Yeah, I’m stressed, but the words that came out of my mouth? The way I raised my voice? Inexcusable. I hate that I let my fear and frustration take over, that I made her feel small and unheard.
Just before she walked out the door, I swore I caught the soundless crack of a heart I never wanted to break.
And now, sitting here on the couch with Isla perched beside me, the glow of the movie we’re watching flickering across her innocent face, I can’t stop my mind from replaying Lucy’s expression during our argument.
Isla giggles at something on the screen, and I force a smile, but it’s hollow. I just need Lucy to come home.
I’m trying to focus on whatever it is we’re watching when headlights spill through the front window.Thank fuck.
A minute later, Lucy is walking through the front door. Just the sight of her has relief and longing twisting together, and I can’t decide which hits hardest. She’s standing there, coat partially off, hair a little mussed, and she’s breathtaking.
Her eyes meet mine, and I can’t read what’s in them. She looks tired, a little puffy around the eyes like she’s been crying, and guilt slams into me with the force of a freight train. I did that. Me.
“Hey,” she says softly.
“Hey,” I answer, voice rough. Isla’s head whips around at the sound of Lucy’s voice, and she’s off the couch in a flash.
“You’re back!” she squeals, launching herself across the room.
Lucy’s face transforms as she catches Isla in her arms, all the tension melting away as she hugs her close. “Of course I’m back, silly girl. I wouldn’t miss bedtime.”
I stand slowly, hands shoved in my pockets because I don’t trust myself not to reach for her before I’ve earned the right. “We were just finishing up the movie.”
