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I’m not sorry for admitting that I have feelings for Nathan. I love the way he is with the two most precious things in my life. That may have been the most honest thing I’ve ever said in my life. I’m not worried what people may think. Besides my mother, that is. I have to come to terms with the fact that she will never be the mother that I need or want. I need to open my eyes and see that her opinion shouldn't matter to me. I'm an adult, doing a damn good job at raising my kids and supporting them. She will never change. She'll always find a way to distort everything in my life to be wrong; twist my words into something they weren't meant to be. I can't allow her to affect my life negatively any longer, not when I'm trying to show the girls that a mother daughter relationship can be positive, and nurturing.
With Nathan by my side, I feel the strength I thought I would never feel again. He’s quickly becoming my rock, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. With his fingers threaded through mine, we walk back into the girls’ room. Amanda is currently cuddling with Stella while Addie is snuggled into Brad’s side, both asleep. I’m so thankful that they’re going to be okay. I couldn’t even imagine my life without those scarlet waves and green colored eyes. “How are they doing?” I ask quietly.
“They’re good, street. They're going to be just fine.” Brad reassures me.
“Street?” Nathan questions.
“My nickname Brad tortures me with.” I look up to Nathan, who is standing behind me, so close I can feel the results of our passionate kiss still lingering in his pants.
“When she introduced herself she told me her name and I said, ‘Laney like a street lane,’ the name has stuck ever since.”
“I like my nickname better.” Nathan whispers.
“I agree.” I give him a small smile. “Why don’t you boys head down to the cafeteria and get us something to eat and drink?”
“I think that’s our cue to give the ladies some time alone, don’t you think, Brad?” Nathan presses a kiss to the side of my head.
“I think you’re right.” Brad scoots from Addie’s side without waking her and follows Nathan out the door.
“How are you holdin’ up?”
“Really, Stella?”
“What?”
“To be honest, I have no idea how I’m still upright. My entire life has been tossed in a blender over the past seventy-two hours.”
“As long as it’s with tequila and lime then everything should be fine.”
“Focus, Stella.”
“Alright, alright, girl. What can I help you with?”
“Well, for starters, can you tell me how on earth I got this,” I flash my left hand. “On my finger?”
“Oh that’s easy, Laney, he asked and you said yes.”
“How did you let this happen, Stella? I’m freakin’ married to none other than Nathan Whitmore; the Nathan Whitmore. Did you know that? Because I sure as hell didn’t, and believe me, you’re lucky my daughters are sleeping because I so want to tear you a new asshole right now!” I say in an aggravated whisper.
“Hell yes, I knew who he was the moment he started walking our way. You would have known who he was too if you would stop every once in a while. You never take notice, so, I took notice for you. It’s not a bad thing, Laney. You can’t tell me that those couple of days you were with him you didn’t feel anything. This is your chance; your chance to be happy. You’re married to Nathan Whitmore, and he is so into you.”
“Yeah, married. I’ve only been able to remember bits and pieces of that night.” I smirk at her. “Yes, I remember seeing you cry. I didn’t forget that part. But Jesus, Stella, when he told my mother his last name I damn near fainted. He told me earlier, but I didn’t connect the two. I had no clue that was him. The pictures I’ve seen of him over the years do not do him justice.”
“Laney, how long have I known you?”
“Too long.” I’m short with my answer.
“Whatever, girl. In the entire time I’ve known you, I’ve never seen the look you had on your face like when he came strutting up to our table. It was one for the books, and let me tell you another thing—that look was still planted on your face the following day and that night. So don’t tell me what I didn’t watch out for you. Don’t for one minute think I didn’t have your best interest at heart. You had pure contentment on your face. Before words were ever spoken between you two, there was a connection. It was magical. I just happened to add a few alcoholic potions in that little brew of passion you two were both mixing and poof! Fat. Rock. On. Your. Finger. Plus, I’m sure it was the best sex you have ever had in your life. You, my dear, are welcome. Baby, you should start calling me your fairy godmother, because, girl, I gave you your prince charming.”
“My prince, huh?”
“Come on, Laney, prince charming for sure, you can’t deny that, can you?”
“I just wish I remembered it all, Stella, I can only remember bits and pieces.”
“If I didn’t think he was good for you, Laney there would be no way that I would have ever pushed the issue. The not remembering is probably my fault, but I knew if you weren’t more than tipsy you would have thought too much, just like always. You deserve to be happy, girl. You never had that spark with Brad, kids or not, he wasn't the man for you. He happened to come into your life when losing your daddy was still so fresh. And Michael, Lord, do not get me going on him. He's a man-child. The girls are more mature than he is. He was a disaster waiting to happen.”
“You’re preaching to the choir on that one.”
“So was I wrong? Is there no spark between you two?”
“No, you were right. There is something there. I think I might love him, Stella. Or at least I’m falling in love with him.”
“I knew it. I knew I saw it.”
“He’s my husband, Stella; you should hear the things he says to me. They're so sweet. He’s going to love my girls and be the best stepfather they could ever dream of. Brad will always be their father. My girls are lucky to have one father in their lives, but now they're going to have two daddies. I just have to figure out a way to tell them.”
