“She’ll believe it’s real when you split.”
Haley nods gravely. “The reason I didn’t go after paternity or support from Oliver is because I didn’t want Maggie to deal with that kind of rejection or abandonment. I know what it’s like to have your parents reject you.” She sucks in her lower lip, her voice strained. “I don’t want her to have to go through that.”
“Is this the only way Beckham will rent to you? By you agreeing to marry him?”
She straightens, clearing her throat, pushing down the emotions welling inside from how shitty her parents treated her when they learned she got pregnant. Hell, most of her life.
“Actually, no. He’s willing to rent us his place downtown, and at a discount, since he knows money’s tight. But he’ll eliminate my money problems if I agree to be his fake wife for a few years. On paper only,” she adds quickly. “I made it quite clear that if I were to agree, he wouldn’t be entitled to any of the…perks, as it were.”
I take a moment to process all of this. When I came out here to talk to Haley, I assumed she wanted to hound me for details regarding how things went with Callum. I never could have imagined she’d tell me Beckham Lawrence had proposed some sort of marriage of convenience.
“But enough about me and my problems.” She straightens, her voice brightening. “How did it go with Mr. Sex in a Suit?”
I exhale a long sigh, my shoulders deflating. “It didn’t.”
She tilts her head. “You didn’t tell him how you feel?”
“I did.” I give her a sad smile. “But it wasn’t enough.”
“Oh, Parker...” She wraps an arm around me and pulls me closer. “I’m sorry, sweetie.”
“It’s okay. Like Mama always said, everyone comes into our lives for a reason.”
“And what was the reason for him?”
“That maybe it’s time to move on. To keep the past in the past.”
“Are you sure?” she asks, knowing exactly what I’m referring to. “I thought you were holding out for a miracle.”
I swallow hard through the lump building in my throat as I rest my head on Haley’s shoulder. “I’m starting to think the universe might be all out of miracles.”
CHAPTERTHIRTY
CALLUM
Heavy fog blurs the bustling city surrounding me, clinging in thick sheets to the San Francisco skyline. Thirty-seven stories below, locals and tourists swarm the streets, soaking in the final few days of holiday cheer before Santa’s big night. White lights outline the trees, wreaths decorating the street lamps. Even the famous San Francisco cable cars are decked out with reminders of the season.
And I hate it.
But for a different reason than I did just a few weeks ago.
Now every tree, every light, every snowman reminds me of Parker Holley.
Her laugh.
Her smile.
Her heart.
And it makes me ache.
Makes me second-guess my decision.
But every time I debate hopping on the next flight so I can grovel at Parker’s feet, I’m reminded how I felt after learning the truth about my brother and Sadie. Watching her walk out of our house and into Mason’s idling car. Staring at all the presents beneath the Christmas tree meant for the son I’d soon meet, only to learn he wasn’t mine at all.
The only reason I survived without drowning in a bottle is because I had my work. I turned my crushing heartbreak into something else. Something I’m proud of.
I’d convinced myself this was all I needed. That my work made me happy.
