Page 28 of Verdict

My mom went quiet. She stepped closer, stroking Bentley’s neck. “You always trusted animals more than people,” she said softly. “They never picked someone else over you.”

She gave Bentley one last pat and disappeared down the aisle toward Addison.

Leaving me alone with the painful truth she’d just exposed so effortlessly.

Once I finished Bentley’s mane, I helped Addison out with a few other chores around the farm before calling it a day. I was ready to be home.

As I was walking to my car, my phone started blowing up.

Walker: I should totally get a mesh batting cage for my backyard, right? Little man is going to need it. Farrah says I’m being ridiculous, but this feels like an essential purchase.

Weston: Lord. Help us.

Walker: I don’t know what that means.

Me: Did you seriously tell Cohen…and NOW Weston too?

Walker: Okay but in my defense…

Addison: Walker James.

Walker: Farrah said we were telling people soon!

Addison: That is not the same thing.

Walker: Semantics. AND she told all of you girls might I add.

Addison: Mom, Dad, Liz, and Jackson are going to be PISSED.

Walker: Or all of you can just act surprised. Farrah already has some big dramatic reveal planned. It’ll be fine.

Weston: You are so dead.

Addison: Back to the baseball thing. Walk, I love you, but you need to rein it in a little. What if your son doesn’t even like baseball?

Walker: I’m going to pretend you didn’t just say that.

Weston: Your son not liking baseball would bring me so much joy.

Walker: Fuck you, West.

I let out a laugh, shaking my head as I climbed into my car. I decided to send a quick text to Cohen to let him know I was on my way.

Me: Hey, leaving now. Should be back in about an hour. How's she doing?

CoJo: Since you asked me ten minutes ago? Still sleeping. She should be awake by the time you get home for another bottle.

Cohen being on top of Ellie's schedule did weird things to me. The type of things I was definitely not going to unpack.

God, I'm pathetic.

Me: Ok great! Thanks for today, I needed it.

CoJo: Anytime, Trouble. Drive safe.

My fingers hovered over my keyboard. I wanted to keep talking, but I didn't know what else to say. I placed my phone on the passenger seat and turned on my car.

Why did I want his attention so badly? Anytime I saw his name appear on my phone, butterflies brushed against my ribs, a little thrill ran through my body. It was only natural to be attracted to your child's father, right? Especially when said man was six-foot-three, with a body that made me weep and piercing hazel eyes. Oh, and throw in the fact that he was an incredible dad who loved our daughter fiercely. That he showed up. Every time. Even when he didn't have to.