Page 86 of The Bitter Rival

“This woman sounds like a very independent, intelligent, resourceful person who has thrived despite her circumstances.”

I smile at this statement, unable to deny that Bella Potter is just that.

“It wasn’t your place to decide for her what she should choose to handle. She’s had enough things decided for her in her life. And it sounds as if she’s risen to meet each challenge. Do you love her, Sebastian?”

“Yes,” I answer without hesitation.

“Do you think she feels the same?”

I consider the night she asked if it would be that bad if she were to get pregnant and know. This woman would never bring another child into the world if she didn’t feel the same. She wasn’t looking to parent alone. I know it.

“Yes,” I admit, feeling crushed that I couldn’t have seen this more clearly before.

“Sebastian, you are fortunate to have means. You already appear to have reliable help,” he states as he looks over his shoulder toward Nancy. “You can certainly afford a nanny if children came along. Stop being a martyr. You’re scared. Don’t destroy what could be something beautiful because you’re afraid of what could happen.”

“I think I’ve already done that.”

“What do you mean?”

There’s no way I’m telling him about the rouse with Sophia. I can’t even repeat what I did out loud, I’m so disgusted with myself. “Let’s just say, I’m not sure she’ll ever speak to me again after the way I ended things.”

“Well, that’s too bad. But if you love her, don’t you owe it to her to at least give it a shot?”

I drag my hand down my face in frustration, knowing he’s right but unsure what I could possibly do to get my spirited, strong-willed girl to forgive me.

“Just think about it, son. If this is something you truly want, pray on it. The universe will send you clues if you’re on the right path. Just be open with her.” He chuckles. “And begging doesn’t hurt.”

Knock, knock.

Looking up from our deep conversation, I see Nancy greeting a beautiful older blonde woman at the door. She looks to be about my mother’s age. Before I can stand to greet her, Boomerang charges for the door.Holy crap. He’s never done this before.If he runs out, how will I ever find him?

“Boom!” I yell, trying to stop him. Making it to my feet, I quickly hobble over, my braces clanking hard against the tile in my haste. Mr. Hansen is by my side, probably realizing my concern to catch Boomerang before he either darts out the door or attacks this poor woman.

“Boston, sit,” she whispers as I get closer.

“Sebastian, meet Sarah Beth.” Sara Beth is now crouched on the ground, Boomerang licking her face as she laughs.

“Wow. I’ve never seen him respond like that to anyone. He’s normally much better behaved. Down, Boom.”

Sarah Beth stands, taking Mr. Hansen’s hand as they return to the den where we were just seated. Boomerang trails closely behind. As everyone takes a seat and Nancy offers to bring everyone lemonade, I look on in bewilderment as the two of them look at each other as if they’re silently communicating.

“I need to confess something, Sebastian,” Mr. Hansen says.

Unease hits as he looks back at Sarah Beth.

“We may have been a little underhanded, but it was for your own good.” Sarah Beth giggles by his side, and I’m completely flummoxed. “Boomerang is our grandson.”

“What?” I choke out.

“My black lab is Boomerang’s mother. I got her through Sarah Beth years ago. She works with service animals, and Stella didn’t cut the mustard.” He laughs.

“Stella is sweet and so smart, but I didn’t get ahold of her until she was older than we normally start training. I was able to hold onto her, and I could see over time that Gene needed her more than I did.”

“I’m sorry, I’m confused. How did this happen?”

“Well, I started training Boston a while ago, and we were scheduled to have him matched with a young man who unfortunately passed away before the training was complete. It was terribly sad. But Gene mentioned meeting you. He said after some of your conversations, he felt bringing you and Boston together might be as beneficial for you as having Stella had been for him.”

“I know it was sneaky. It was easier than I expected to find your address, and so we arranged to have Boomerang pay you a few visits.”

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