Page 53 of Love Lies Bleeding

I scoot sideways to give her room and she sits beside me, her shoulder grazing my arm.

“I know this is hard, Jake, but I think we should try and put the past behind us so that we can be there for Hunter and Lexi. Whatever this is with Dean isn’t finished yet, and I don’t want this little boy growing up surrounded by people fighting.”

“I agree.”

“That doesn’t mean I forgive you, or we’re friends. I just don’t want us to be enemies either, at least not in front of them.”

“Thank you, Blossom. I know I hurt you, and I know any apology I give you won’t make up for what happened.”

Cherry sighs. “It’s done. Let’s just get through this and then we don’t have to see each other again until his christening or birthday party.”

“I want more than that.”

Cherry looks at me then, a sad tired look on her pretty face, that makes my gut clench.

“I can’t give you more, Jake. I can’t be your friend so let’s just be civil for them.”

Before I can respond, the door to the delivery suite opens and we all stand as Hunter walks out with the biggest smile on his face.

“Is he here?” Cherry asks as she moves to stand beside Cassie. I miss her instantly, but my attention is on my best friend who is struggling to hide his emotions.

“Yes, he’s absolutely beautiful. Lexi did so well, and they’re both perfect.” Everyone surges forward to hug him and I see tears streaming down Cherry’s cheeks as she turns to look at me. We share a moment of complete understanding before Hunter wraps her in his arms.

“Thank you for making my friend so happy.”

Hunter hugs her tight and I shake his hand as he lets her go, a grin on his face that I’ve never seen before. I know in that moment that everything is changing, that our friendship will evolve because they’ll always be his priority. It’s how I know he’ll be an amazing father to his son.

“Can we see them?” Elena asks.

“Yes, of course. She wants to see you all.” Hunter opens the door and precedes us in taking a place next to Lexi. Oohs and aahs are exclaimed over the baby. Tears of joy are cried—and more hugs are passed out.

“What are you calling him?” Cosmo asks.

Lexi looks at Hunter with a nod and a grin. “Theo Henry Cosmo McKenzie,” he announces as they watch their father’s reactions.

Gasps of delight are heard around the room and I watch the man, who is more of a father to me than I deserve, tear up. He embraces his son hard, and I know that I’ll cherish this moment for a long time to come.

“Would you like to hold him?”

“Yes, please.” Hank sits in the chair beside Lexi, and Hunter lays his son in his father’s arms. The look of love I see in his eyes touches me deeply.

“How much does he weigh?” Cherry asks as she leans over Hank and touches Theo’s tiny fingers. I get the strongest image of her looking at our child that way and a well of grief opens inside my chest at all we lost.

“He was a whopping nine pounds, four ounces,” Lexi replies.

“Wow, my ocean comment wasn’t far off.” She laughs but it’s an inside joke that only the two friends understand. I see their bond and know how loyal she is to those she loves. It’s why my betrayal cut so deep.

I stiffen as Hunter approaches me. “Got a second?” He nods to the door and I take one last look before he ejects me from the cozy scene before me.

We walk down the corridor a little before we sit in the chairs that we occupied for hours as we waited for Theo to enter the world.

Knowing he should be with Lexi, not out here handling me, I begin. “I know what you’re going to say, Mac. I just wanted to see that the baby and Lexi are okay. I’ll leave you in peace now.” I turn to leave and Hunter calls me back.

“Jake, just wait a sec.”

I stop and turn, I know the dejection I’m feeling is clear on my face. “Why? So, you can tell me what an asshole I’ve been? I know that, okay? I’ve apologized to Lexi. It was a douchebag move and I have no excuse.”

“You were a dick, but I could’ve handled things better, too. The thing is, Lexi comes first. You cross her, then you cross me. That said, this whole year has been fucked up with one thing or another. Yes, you messed up but I’m ready to put it behind us if you are.”

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