Page 52 of The Only Heart that Matters

She sits back, arms crossed. Smile still firmly in place. “You are in a bit of a pickle.”

“You’re loving this, aren’t you?”

“More than you know.”

“You’re such a brat.”

“You have to admit it’s funny. Like you would ever marry one of my brothers. Although, after the wedding, I’d say Angus wouldn’t mind if you did.”

Her playful voice is confusing. Would she be okay with Angus and me, or is this all just a funny predicament to her?

The weight of my guilt from sleeping with Angus the night of the wedding hits me square in the chest. Try as I might to fill my lungs with air, breathing feels impossible. When did I become this person? Daisy is my best friend, yet I’m keeping secrets. Hell, I haven’t even trusted her enough to tell her about Sawyer’s dad. And now I’m lying to employers to get a job.

Who have I become?

“Daisy, this is bad.”

“It’ll be okay.” She leans forward and takes my hands in hers. “Mia, you got the job. You and Sawyer are gonna be okay and Gus will be cool as long as you need him to be. To be honest, he’s a pretty good emergency contact.”

“You aren’t mad?”

“Why would I be mad? I’m just so proud of you. My brother didn’t get you the job. You did that. And we’re gonna celebrate. Friday night. The House. Free drinks at your fake hubby’s fine establishment.”

“That sounds great, but I don’t have anyone to watch Sawyer.”

“Let me take care of that.”

She gathers up her things and puts her coat on, and I begrudgingly stand. And just like I knew they would, my feet hurt worse.

“Listen, we’re gonna have to come up with a plan that includes the family.”

“Angus said the same thing, but I would really love to avoid that if possible.”

“Sweetie, Bend is only twenty minutes from here and, well, not to sound like an asshole, but there isn’t anywhere in Central Oregon where folks don’t know the McKinnon family. Especially my brothers. We need to cover our bases, and I think the family needs to know so they don’t unknowingly blow your cover.”

“Daisy, no.” Panic overtakes my emotions, embarrassment scorching my cheeks. “I would be mortified if they knew.”

Pulling me into a hug, she says, “Okay. We’ll worry about it another day. I’m proud of you. Oh, and you’re mine Friday night.” And just like that, she’s out the door.

At once, I’m overcome with an entirely new set of worries. How do I see Angus on Friday and not want a repeat of what happened on New Year's Eve? Not want to feel that way again.

The knowledge of his feelings has brought back some of the confidence I had before I got pregnant. Knowing Angus McKinnon wantedmeall these years feels phenomenal.

Empowering.

Something shifted in me that night. I feel different. Like more than Sawyer’s mom. Almost like the woman I used to be.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Angus

Goof

I got the job

GUS

I knew you would. Congrats, Goof. I’m happy for you.

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