Page 44 of If You Love Me

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll be right back. I need to use the bathroom.”

While Summer went to the bathroom, Evenie turned away. I could tell she was trying to hold it together. I tried to let her have her moment, but when her shoulders began shaking, I walked over and wrapped my arms around her from behind. She clung to me as she cried softly.

“I got you,” I said, kissing her temple. “I know it probably feels overwhelming, but you’ve been doing so well with her. It takes a strong person to go through what you went through and jump right into being a mother, love. Cherish these moments because you absolutely deserve them. You understand me?”

She nodded. Turning in my arms, she wrapped hers around me tightly. For a moment, we just stood like that in silence. I felt her finally release a deep breath.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

She pulled away, and as if it were pure instinct, we both leaned in and pecked each other’s lips. It was the most natural thing because it was something we’d done a thousand times. We quickly realized our mistake and took a step back.

“I’m sorry,” left both our mouths.

“I need a minute,” she said.

Without another word, she left the kitchen. I sighed heavily. Clearly, I needed to learn my position in her life too.

14

Evenie

After a very awkward breakfast, Tyrion and Summer Rose retreated to their rooms to get ready for the day. I found myself in the backyard, sitting in Summer’s treehouse, crying my eyes out. I wasn’t sure how long I could keep this up, and it had only been a few days. I wanted to be with my baby, but I also wanted to be with her father. I loved Tyrion. No matter how upset and disappointed I was, my heart didn’t know the difference in that.

Pulling out my phone, I called my father, knowing that he would be up at this hour. The phone rang twice before he answered.

“Good morning, baby girl,” he said cheerfully.

“Hey, Daddy.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Daddy, I don’t know what to do.”

He sighed. “Is it Tyrion?”

“Of course it is. Daddy, how can he be engaged to someone else? And I know he waited a long time to date. I know it wasunfair to expect him to wait, but my heart hurts… it physically hurts.”

“I know, baby girl.”

“I wanna be here for Summer, but part of me just wants to leave this house.”

“I didn’t want to say anything, but I think it was too soon to stay there. I know that’s your house, but there is no need to torture yourself. You can always come home, baby. Summer has a room here, and there is space for both of you. Talk to Tyrion. Tell him you want to keep her for a while.”

“I don’t want to take her away from him. She’s had him every day of her life. I don’t want her to think I’m punishing her.”

“Then, after you talk to him, you both talk to her. Summer is a big girl. She’s old enough to understand. She knows you two aren’t together, so that’s half the job right there.”

I sniffled. “That might be for the best. God, I wish none of this had ever happened. If I’d never left the house that night, we wouldn’t be here right now.”

“None of this is your fault, Evenie. You had no control over what happened to you, just like you have no control over what happened while you were gone. I know you don’t want to hear this, but baby girl, this is hard for Tyrion too. I know he loves you, but he shares a love with Iona as well. It’s not so simple.”

My head knew he was right, but my heart didn’t want to hear it. I would take his advice about moving in with him and my mother. Maybe the less I had to see this man, the easier it would become.

“I hear you, Daddy,” I finally said. “I have to go. It’s almost time to take Summer to school, then there’s a lot I need to get done today.”

“Okay. Well, I love you, and I’m here if you need me.”

“I know. I love you too. Give Mom my love.”

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