“It was the same with Riko. His mother hated that kid. Too chaotic and hyper and irresponsible. Rhett thought he hung the moon. His relationship with Riko has always been organic and real unlike some of the other aspects of his life.”
“He’s not happy with me,” I grumble as I wash the sugary sweetness down with a gulp of Sprite. “I’m an obligation. A mess he has to fix.”
“Oh, sweetheart,” Owen says softly, “that’s simply not true. I know my son and he’s…”
I lift my chin, hope burning in my chest. “He’s what?”
“Let’s just say he doesn’t look at her the way he looks at you.”
This should make me happy, but all it does is break my heart a little more. Why is Rhett so adamant about pursuing a life he doesn’t love?
“I’m glad he told you about the baby,” I say through my tears, voice hoarse with emotion. “I want Buck to know his grandad.”
“Buck?” He snorts out a laugh. “There’s no way my son agreed to that name.”
“Nope. He hated it.” I grin through my tears. “But I’ve caught him calling him that a few times. I vowed to make it stick and it’s totally sticking. Right, Buck?” I pat my belly and my baby kicks.
“You’re good for him,” Owen says with a smile. “I think this baby will be good for him too. And he told me a little up at the hospital about your family. I just want you to know that you’ll have a family with us. No matter what it is, call or text me, and I’ll be there for you and Buck.” He winks at me.
The tension in my shoulders relaxes. Knowing I have another person to lean on puts me at ease. They say it takes a village to raise a child and I’m slowing rebuilding mine with family I’ve found, not those related to me.
“He’s going to come around one day,” Owen promises. “I know my son. Even if it’s a little slow, he will. He’s worth waiting for.” He reaches over and pats my knee. “And so are you. The two of you will figure this out. You’re going to be great parents, too.”
Thankfully he moves on from the confusing subject of his son to his own baby that’s on the way. I’m grateful to hear more tidbits about the Monahan family from someone other than Rhett. I feel like every little thing I learn is something else for me to pass down to my son. When I start to doze off, and the cats have settled in for a nap up against my belly, I feel Owen drape a blanket over me.
“You’re not the wrong sister, Abby,” Owen whispers. “You’re the right one. One day he’s going to see that. Hang in there for him. I promise you, it’ll be worth it.”
You’re not the wrong sister. You’re the right one.
For so long I’ve been told the exact opposite. I want to believe it, but it’s going to take some time to relearn it.
Later, Rhett carries me upstairs to bed, tucks me in, and kisses my head.
Maybe Owen’s right about Rhett coming around. But patience has never been easy for me.
Chapter 13
Rhett
David: I know you’re busy with school, but you’re dropping the ball here, Rhett.
David: Here’s the link to the restaurant. I’ve booked the rooftop.
David: Consider this a gift. I’ve hired a florist to cover the entire floor in rose petals. The owner of the restaurant said they’d light a bunch of candles too.
David: I’ve told Angela to meet me and her mother up there for dinner at 7. You should get there earlier to make sure everything looks the way you want it. I’ve hired a photographer to take photos.
David: The time is now, Son.
Isit up in bed this morning, drenched in a cold sweat as I read the texts from Angela’s dad. I’ve dicked around long enough he’s planned the damn proposal himself. This should bring me relief, but dread consumes me.
I can’t do this.
It’s not too late to put a stop to it all.
That’s not true, though. David’s already booked a restaurant and a photographer and a florist. I have a huge-ass engagement ring rolling around in the backseat of my car. I’ve fucked around for too long, made my bed, and now I have to lie in it.
I’m suddenly feeling way out of my depth and nauseous. There’s one person I want to confide in. To draw comfort in. And it’s not the girl I’m supposed to marry.
