Page 25 of Beautifully Broken Redemption

“Then camp it is.” I met both of their gazes. “But if you’re feeling overwhelmed or sad or scared, just come find me. We can take a break or go home, whatever you need.”

Lyla looked down at her plate. “Sorry about yesterday.”

I moved in close, pulling her to me. “You never, ever have to apologize for what you’re feeling. I want to know what’s going on in that amazing brain and heart of yours. Always.”

She pressed into me. “Love you, Anna.”

“Love you, too, Lyla Bean.”

I met Justin’s gaze over Lyla’s head. “That goes for you, too. You don’t have to hide how you’re feeling. We can talk about it or just sit together as you process.”

He nodded slowly. “Thanks.”

That was all I would get from Justin. He was a preteen boy—the world didn’t exactly encourage them to lean into their feelings. But I would. I didn’t want him stuffing things down until he exploded.

“All right. Let’s get cleaned up, get our bags, and head over to the center.”

The kids helped me with the dishes, and then we all gathered our belongings. Lyla chattered about a girl she’d met who would be in her class next year. But I could only half listen. My mind swirled with a million different questions about how everything would work with Mason. This marriage.

Just the word had me feeling a little queasy. As I watched Lyla skip across the field in front of us, I couldn’t help but see those same hopeful eyes as she asked about Mason. I pulled out my phone and typed out a text.

Me:Do you have a few minutes to chat today? There are some details we need to discuss.

I stared at my phone, waiting for a reply. I figured vague was best. I had no idea if a court could subpoena our phone records in an effort to figure out if our marriage was a sham, but better safe than sorry.

Mason:Sure. I can stop by over lunch. That work?

Me:Yup. Thanks.

Mason:Have a good day. Call if you need anything.

I stared down at my screen. Was that for show? What was I supposed to say back? I started and deleted three different texts before landing on one.

Me:Thanks. You, too.

I waited, but there was no response. My message hadn’t required one. So, why did I want my phone to ding one more time?

I restedmy head in my hands. The steady pulse of a tension headache banded around my skull. The numbers on my computer screen had all started to blur together. Spreadsheets, my least favorite part of my job, but one of the most vital. Thankfully, Kennedy had sprung for me to take a few business and non-profit classes before I took over as head of Hope House. But crunching numbers would never be one of my greatest strengths.

A knock sounded on my open door, and I looked up. Mason stood there, little worry lines creasing his brow.

“Are you okay?”

I leaned back in my chair. “Spreadsheets.”

The corner of his mouth kicked up as he moved into the room, shutting the door behind him. “Never one of my favorites, either.” He eased into one of the chairs opposite my desk. “But I’m guessing that’s not why you texted.”

“No. I…” I wasn’t sure how to finish my sentence. The urge to word-vomit all of my fears and worries was so strong.

Mason leaned forward, so I had to look him in the eyes. “Anna. Talk to me. If this is going to work, we can’t hold things back.”

Hadn’t I been encouraging Justin and Lyla to do the same thing this morning? Maybe if we could all talk it out, we’d make it through the coming months. “I’m worried what marrying you is going to mean for the kids. I mean, are we going to move into your house? Are you going to move into the cottage?”

A hysterical laugh bubbled out of me. “The cottage only has two bedrooms and one bathroom. How would that work? But the kids… They already love you. Lyla was asking if you were going to play soccer with her again today. What happens when this is over, and we get a divorce? Are you going to disappear from their lives? That would kill them.”

“No.” Mason cut me off as he stood from his chair and rounded my desk. Leaning against it, he took my hand and squeezed. “This marriage might be a temporary thing, but I’ll always be there for you guys. Justin and Lyla are so damn special, it’s not exactly a hardship to hang out with them. I promise you. I’ll never disappear from their lives. Yours, either.”

I swallowed as tears burned the backs of my eyes. God, I wanted to believe that. To lean into Mason’s promise. But I knew some promises weren’t worth a damn. “Okay.”

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