Page 44 of Marc

The slice of bacon dangles in front of her mouth as her eyes widen in surprise. “And not you?”

“Well, my sister is four years older, so they expect her to have kids before me. Plus, they know I am busy with modeling as well as helping in my dad’s office and don’t really have the time to truly focus on a wife and kids at the moment.”

They also know that I’m not dating anyone and haven’t since my ex.

“You can have one without the other.”

I can’t imagine having kids without being married. Maybe I am just old-fashioned that way, but that doesn’t appeal to me. Plus, it sounds like more work and lots of schedule conflicts.

“I know, but if I have kids, I’d like them to be with a wife. I want a family like I had growing up.”

“So, two kids and a white picket fence?”

“That is the American dream, isn’t it? Although there aren’t any white picket fences around home. We have lots of electric fences, though.”

We share a chuckle as we eat our breakfast.

Staci’s voice is low. “I think it is great that you have a plan for your future, so to speak. You know what you want and you know the time commitment it will take.”

Something stirs inside of me and compels me to ask, “What about you? Do you want kids in the future?”

She drops her fork to the plate and sighs. “To be honest, I’m not sure. My marriage with Jared changed me a lot. Sure, I crave companionship and want to be in a real relationship. I just don’t know if kids are in my future.”

I raise my eyebrow at her. I would never have expected her to not want kids. She is so patient and caring towards all the models that I just assumed she’d want to be a mom one day.

I can picture her surrounded by laughing kids.

She sits up straighter. “No offense to what we have going on right now with our fake relationship, but I’m just saying that I want a normal life, and I just don’t know if I am ready for marriage and kids.”

“I can understand that. Your last relationship, well, marriage, although short, was intense in allthe wrong ways. You need time to heal and move on. That is normal, and I would be worried if you jumped straight into another marriage.”

Her laugh is care free and light. “There definitely won’t be any jumping into a marriage or relationship, more like easing one toe in at a time. Plus, with my family the way it is, I don’t want to deny any future kids love from their grandparents.”

So, because her family is a bunch of assholes, she might not have kids?

Family is more than just blood relatives.

Family is who loves you, supports you, and shows up for you no matter what.

“Your future kids don’t need fake toxic love. Plus, I’m pretty sure whether you stay in your house or move, Miss Edith will be a grandma to your kids.”

The edges of her eyes crinkle as she smiles. “That is true. She would love to spoil any and all kids.”

“What about your sister? You said you two were best friends growing up, but you haven’t mentioned her once since. Is she part of the family that disowned you?”

If she was as close to her sister as she said, why hasn’t she mentioned her sister again?

And if they were close, would her sister really disown her over her life decisions?

I guess it is a possibility since her parents did, even though I can’t imagine my parents disowning me because they don’t agree with my life choices.

Staci’s smile disappears as her gaze drops to her plate. Her mood completely changes and I regret asking about her sister.

It’s too late to take it back, but I would if I could turn back time. This weekend was supposed to be fun and relaxing, not sad and regretful.

She swallows loudly as her eyes get watery with tears.

Damn it. I really fucked up.

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