I swallow, my throat stiff, the motion uncomfortable. “Yes.”
She beams, hugs me, and nuzzles my chest. “You won’t regret it. Everything is going to be all right.”
I close my eyes and soak up the feel of her, but when the embrace drags on for too long, I force myself to let her go. Clearing my throat, I blink up at the ceiling so she won’t see the tears in my eyes. Holding her is so right. It’s everything I thought I’d never have again.
That’s when I know I’ll do anything to keep her in my life again. And if things go wrong, I’ll be there for her. Unlike last time, I won’t let her down. I refuse to give up on us.
“You can call the doctor back in.”
Ashlin
“It’s okay,” I tell myself as I apply mascara and put the finishing touches on my makeup. “People take their ex to dinner with their family all the time. No big deal.”
Except it is. It’s huge. I know it, he knows it, and within a few minutes of arriving, my family will know it too. I’m hoping they’ll behave themselves because my nieces and nephews will be present, but honestly, Liam has the same temper as Seth, so who knows what will happen?
“Women choose to have children on their own terms every day,” I continue, wiping off a bit of smudged lipstick. “We don’t live in the dark ages.”
“Who are you talking to?”
Squeaking, I spin around. Seth fills the doorway, watching me with the combination of affection and caution I’m starting to consider normal from him. Seeing him shouldn’t surprise me—we’re at his condo, after all—but I’m so used to having my own space that I tend to forget when others are around.
“Myself,” I admit once my breathing has calmed. “Or perhaps I’m practicing for my parents.”
It’s Saturday evening and we’re about to head over to the home I was raised in. I called earlier in the week and requested a family dinner. I’m sure everyone invited is dying to know the reason for it, especially considering I’ve kept to myself recently. I doubt any of them will expect the truth.
Seth nods. He’s shaved tonight, and I can’t help but be disappointed. While he more closely resembles the man I married, the roughness of his edges are beginning to grow on me. I find myself wanting to rub against him and purr. “I’m here for you,” he promises. “Whatever they think.”
“Thank you.” I check myself once more in the mirror, stuff my makeup into my purse, and walk toward him. “It means a lot to have you on my side.”
“Always.” The rumble sends a shiver down my spine, and I try not to read too much into it. I begin to step past him, but he stops me with a hand on my upper arm. “How do you feel? Any side effects from the injections?”
If I didn’t know him so well, I’d almost miss the pale tint of his skin. He really hates the idea of those needles. “My emotions are a little unbalanced and I’m tired, but everything is okay otherwise.”
His ocean-colored eyes search mine. “You’ll tell me if that changes?”
“I will.” Checking my watch, I see we’re due for dinner in twenty minutes. “We’d better go.”
We take one car even though I argued for going separately, because Seth convinced me of the benefits of having someone else to drive me home in case I’m not in a good headspace after dinner. We arrive at the two-story home and make our way up the stairs. My heart flutters like a hummingbird. I’m wound tight. So is Seth, but he’s also stoic. Determined. There’s no putting him off, and I’m glad to have his support. When we knock, the door swings open and we’re greeted by my father’s smiling face. When he realizes there are two of us, his smile widens.
“What’s this?” he asks. “I haven’t seen the two of you together since… well, since the divorce.”
“It’s good to see you, sir.” Seth offers him a hand. Dad shakes it and steps aside to let us in.
“I’ll explain soon,” I tell him. “Once we’re all together.”
“Of course.” He looks intrigued, but doesn’t push.
“Hello, beautiful!” Mom calls from the kitchen.
“Hi, Mom.” I sweep through the dining room and into the kitchen, where I plant a kiss on her cheek.
“You look different,” she says, her gaze raking over my features, probably noticing the makeup, which I don’t usually bother to wear when I visit. “Have you been on a date?”
“Not tonight, sorry.” I try not to laugh at her disappointment. Behind me, I sense Seth stiffen. Why? Because he doesn’t like the idea of me going on dates?
“Oh.” Seth’s movement captures her attention, and her eyes widen with surprise, then flick back to me. “Are you two together?”
“Not in the sense you mean.”
