Page 139 of Forgotten Desires

It’s what bothers me so much. I know that Brynlee will be an amazing stepmother. She already is. Layla adores her and since she’s young, she doesn’t feel like Brynn stole me or whatever things my friends used to say when their parents divorced. Layla never grew up in a two-parent home.

“I won’t keep Jacqueline from her daughter, regardless of how I feel about her, but she has to be sober, and it has to be supervised.”

“I agree. I’m just telling you that from the child’s perspective, it’s incredibly difficult. Layla is going to need all the reassurance in the world that it wasn’t her fault. My dad refused to get help. He didn’t think he had a problem, which was the hardest part. My mother tried, even after we left, to help him, and he wouldn’t even try. It took me a long time to forgive him and to understand that it wasn’t because of me.”

She never should’ve felt that, but all I can do is show her that she’s everything to me and give Layla the home she deserves.

“Her lawyer reached out to mine, informing us of her progress. As of now, she has no visitation until treatment is completed, which is why I think they want to discuss that now.”

Brynn nods. “As for the Ford thing, maybe you should talk to him.”

My head jerks back as I gape at her. “Do you need me to remind you what the piece of shit did?”

“No,” she says hesitantly. “I just think it would help if you had a conversation while my life isn’t hanging in the balance, and you aren’t trying to shut a publisher down. You know, since you’re calm and I’m very much alive.”

I love my wife. I love that she’s a kind soul with a forgiving heart. It’s what makes her everything good in this world.

I, however, don’t share that with her.

“No.”

She blinks twice. “No what?”

“No, I don’t want to hear him out, see his face, or listen to whatever bullshit excuses he could come up with. He was paid, he can enjoy his twenty-grand and fuck right off.”

Brynn sighs and shakes her head. “You men, you’re all the same.”

“You mean we’re all right? Yes, I agree.”

“Stubborn was the word I was going with.”

I pull her just a little closer and kiss her gently. “I’m only stubborn when it comes to you.”

She laughs at that. “You’re stubborn with everything, but nice try on the flattery. Now, I want to see the animals and go back, lie on the couch, and snuggle with you until I pass out.”

“Okay.”

Just then, one of her cows comes close to the fence and Brynn sees her. “Hey there, Mootilda! I’ve missed you, girl. Look at how pretty you are.”

She drops my hands and walks to the fence to pet her cow, forgetting I’m even here.

* * *

“Crew? What are you doing here? Is Brynn okay?” Asher asks.

“Yeah, she’s fine. She’s going over a new sheep pasture plan with the caretakers to make sure they’re getting variety in their diet.” I laugh because . . . of course she is.

“God, I’m so glad she’s your problem now.”

“I am too.”

“Come in,” he says, pushing the door open. “Phoebe is at the college apartment with Sienna. I’ll head up there in a few hours to watch the baby while she goes to class tomorrow.”

The way they make their relationship work is admirable because I know they make sacrifices to keep each other happy.

“I won’t take long.”

“Want something to drink?”

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