Page 61 of Worth the Shot

“We did. We always do. It’s just…easy with him. I don’t know how to explain it.”

“You don’t have to,” she says softly. “I understand. That’s how it should be.”

“I never realized that. Not until now. But now it’s very clear.” I let out a half laugh because, honestly? It feels insane. Beautiful, but insane.

“Well, I’m just glad you’ve met someone who helped you learn that. Someone willing to grow with you. I think it’s wonderful that you two have become such great friends, honey.”

“I think I might be falling in love with him, Mom.” It’s barely a whisper. The first time I’ve said it out loud and it feels a lot like letting someone read my diary.

“Oh, sweetheart…” Her voice is soothing, wrapping around me like a hug. “I think you may be further along in that department than you think.”

I grip the steering wheel like it’s the only thing keeping me upright.

“I’m scared—terrified. I have no clue what I’m doing. What if I mess it up? What if it doesn’t work out? What if he wakes up one morning and decides this isn’t the life he wants anymore?”

“I don’t think anyone has the answers to those questions,” she says gently. “I think we have to open our hearts and trust that they’ll guide us in the right direction. It’s okay to be scared. That means you have something special you don’t want to lose. Love is a risk we all take, Delaney. It’s always worth it. Whether it becomes a lesson or a blessing.”

A tear slips out, and I swipe it quickly before it falls any farther. She’s right. She usually is.

Love is a risk. Matt was a lesson, and one I’m learning not to regret. He shaped me by making me careful, but stronger. More selective about who I let close. And because of that, I ended up with a man who was willing to wait. To protect my heart before he even knew if he’d ever get to hold it.

“I wish Dad could know Brennan,” I say quietly. “I think he would love him.”

“He already does, honey. I’m sure of it.”

She’s right, again. I haven’t felt my dad this present in years, and lately, he’s everywhere. Little flashes and warmth in the quiet moments that all serve as reminders that I’m not alone.

“I love you, Mom.”

“I love you too, honey. I’m very proud of the woman you’ve become.”

I hang up before I crumble completely, because sometimes a girl just needs to cry in peace in her car. Not because she’s sad, but because she’s thankful and happy and maybe a little terrified, but hopeful. So, very hopeful and finally ready to fall in love again.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Delaney

By the time I get to Shayne and Emma’s, Luca is buzzing. Ever since he figured out his center of gravity, he’s been running around like he’s training for the world’s most chaotic toddler marathon. I scoop him up mid-sprint and he squeals, that carefree belly-giggle that melts every icy part of me on contact. I kiss every inch of his perfect little face before setting him down, where he immediately takes off again like I never existed.

Shayne is halfway out the door but makes sure to stop just long enough to mess up my hair. I snarl at him because it’s too early for his nonsense.

“See ya later!” he calls, already jogging toward his truck.

Inside, Emma is in full disaster mode. She’s juggling three drinks, her laptop, and her bag like she’s auditioning for the part of Overwhelmed Mother #1.

She and Shayne agreed she’d take the year off after Luca was born, and thankfully her career in real estate is flexible enough for her to make that happen. But the first real day she’s leaving him for more than an errand? She’s unraveling.

I take her water bottle and her protein shake out of her hands, leaving her with only the coffee, because, let’s be real, that’s the only one she actually needs right now.

“Breathe,” I tell her, gentle but bossy. The Delaney Collins specialty.

“What if Luca thinks I’m not coming back?” Her voice cracks. “He’s so used to it being me and him all the time.”

“You’re gone for the day, not a week, and your schedule is flexible. You’ll still be home most of the time. Plus, between me and Mom? He’s basically surrounded by a small army of women obsessed with him. He will survive.”

She inhales slowly, exhales shakily. “You’re right…I know I’m overreacting. I’m just⁠—”

“Overwhelmed? Nervous? Spiraling? I get it.”