Page 131 of Sloane

“It took about ten seconds. I helped make a damn beautiful kid.”

Ryan agreed. “She is awfully cute.”

“When did you—oh, yeah. When you went upstairs last night.”

“So, I’m assuming you and Ashley hashed things out?”

“Kind of. I mean, she seems to want to share custody when I’m able to move out and live on my own. We’re still arguing about money, in that she won’t take any, but I’ll figure out a way to pay her.”

“Is that it? No chance of reconciliation?”

“No. Based on how hard she kicked my ass in therapy, I’m pretty sure she still hates me.”

“Tough love. The sooner you’re walking, the sooner you can chase her.”

“Doesn’t matter if I can walk on my own, I’ll always look like this.”

“Don’t you think it’s pretty incredible that out of all the physical therapists in San Diego, she’s the one you’re going to be living with. I mean, what are the odds?”

No shit.

“Which is why I don’t play the lottery.”

“Are you kidding? That’s exactly what you should be doing. You have a baby with the woman you were envisioning a future with.”

“Yeah,” I snorted, “because I’m such a catch. Besides how I look, I’m sure having to babysit someone twenty-four/seven is a huge turn-on.”

“No one’s babysitting you, for chrissake. Now who’s manufacturing drama? You’re her patient, and based on how dedicated you are to your recovery, I’m betting that will be short-lived.”

“Whatever. I still look like this.

“And you think she cares about that?”

“Yeah. I mean, she did get her birthmark removed. Why would she willingly go through all that only to be embarrassed again when she goes out? She just had that problem fixed. Besides, she deserves better than me. You heard the guys yesterday; she’s dating a doctor.”

“I forgot about that. Well, I’m glad you can at least get along, for Millie’s sake.”

“Amelia,” I corrected. Amelia Sloane Youngman.”

“She named Millie’s middle name after you?”

“I know, I was surprised too.”

“Even though she thought you’d knocked her up and bailed on her?”

“Yeah…”

“Dude. You fucked up so bad with her. I swear to God, you better find a way to get her back. She’s the best thing to have ever happened to you.”

“I don’t deserve her, Ry. Not anymore.”

“No shit, Sherlock. So, make yourself worthy of her again. Fight for her. For your family. You’re a fucking Marine. Start acting like it.”

“I know you’re trying to rouse me into action with your little speech. Like I’m the hero in some movie, and I’m going to rise to meet the challenge. And I’ll admit, that was a pretty good pep talk. But I’m broken now, and there’s no fixing me.”

My friend shrugged.

“If you’re okay with another guy snatching her up, far be it for me to argue. But make no mistake, my friend, while you’re over here scratching your balls and feeling sorry for yourself, another man is going to come along, recognize how great she is, and wife her up. Then he’ll not only have your woman, but he’ll have your daughter, too. He’ll be Millie’s ‘bonus dad’ and the two of you can both walk her down the aisle at her wedding.”

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