Page 4 of Finally, Our Forever

Two Weeks Ago

“I’m glad she is finally over feeling guilty about divorcing him. Maci was never happy with that guy,” Mom says, nodding as if agreeing with whoever she’s speaking with on the phone.

Wait, what? She got divorced, and Mom didn’t think to tell me this? Oh, we’re going to have a talk.

“I know she has Bennett to think about, but our girl deserves to be happy. We need to get her on Match or Tinder or something,” she says into the phone.

Mom rolls her eyes. “Well, if you don’t mention it, I’m going to. It’s been almost two years. She needs to get herself back out there. She’s a beautiful girl, Cass. Once she puts herself out there again, someone is going to snatch her up quick.”

She nods again and sees me enter the kitchen. She smiles and winks at me, then goes back to her conversation.

“Alright, well, I’ll see you guys soon. Love you, too. Bye.”

She hangs up and looks at me, gauging my reaction.

“How much did you hear?”

“Enough to be pissed. Why didn’t you tell me Maci Kate was divorced?”

She hesitates and tilts her head to the side, looking at me, probably thinking of the best way to word this.

“Reece, what would you have done if I’d have told you? She wasn’t ready for you back then, and frankly, you weren’t ready for her, either.”

“Back then? Jesus, Mom, when did this happen? How long has she been divorced?”

She looks sad and frowns. “You were still going through those nightmares, going to therapy, dealing with things. Panthera had only been open a few months.”

I had started a security company with my unit three years ago. “Over two years? You haven’t told me for over two years? Are you serious, Mom?”

She straightens her shoulders and stares me in the eyes when she says, “It’s not only her you would be going after, Reece! She has Bennett now. Have you thought about that?”

I grunt. “Of course. I know that if I ever have the chance to be with Maci Kate, he would be a part of the package.”

I have thought about it, when I’m lonely, wanting what I would never have with her.

“Are you ready to be a step-parent? Do you want the headache of an ex that will always be in your lives? Can you handle being the man she and Bennett need to carry them through life’s hardships? I love you, honey, but I want you to be ready for this girl, because it’s not going to be simple. You know I love Maci as if she were my own. Your father and I would be ecstatic if you two got together. She has some baggage, and so do you. Not only that, but she is already family. If things don’t go well between you two, how is that going to affect everyone else?”

I can’t say anything, because I’m still stunned that there’s a chance for Maci and me.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, Reece, but I didn’t think it would be helpful for either of you at the time. Now that you know, just take some time and think about what you want before you make any decisions.”

****

I took all of one day to make my decision. That girl was always supposed to be mine. I wasn’t going to let any other asshole get in the way of us. What I couldn’t figure out was how to go about it. We haven’t spoken in over eight years, and the last time we talked wasn’t a good one. When Dad told me about this barbecue earlier this week, I jumped at the opportunity. Now that I’m here, I don’t know what I’m doing. It doesn’t help that she isn’t here yet, and my nerves are getting to me.

A ball hits me in the back, and I turn around to find a little guy, three and a half feet tall, with dark brown hair and eyes the same as my angel.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” he whispers and looks away, worried I might snap.

Then I see her. God, I haven’t seen her for so long. She looks exquisite. She has a few more curves, probably from having Bennett. My pants start to get tight under my belt, and when I hear her sweet voice, and I’m completely stiff.

“Bennett Alexander! What have I told you about throwing the ball in Nana’s house?”

“I know, Momma. It was an accident. I didn’t mean to hit anyone.”

He walks away quickly, hoping to get away from a mad momma. He’s smart little guy. She hasn’t looked at me yet, not really.

“I’m so sorry…” I watch as recognition hits, and she searches my face for answers. “Reece? Is that you? Holy shit! I mean…” She laughs, and I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face at her cursing. I’ve never heard those words come from her mouth before.

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