Page 75 of Between Regrets and Promises

“No, actually. Aside from the fact that I feel guilty as hell about this whole situation. It’s my fault this happened. I brought Weston into my life, into our lives, and am the reason we’re all in this mess.” I haphazardly rub my arm where one of the bruises is still sore from when he grabbed me hard. “As soon as I can afford it, I’ll find a place and move because the last thing I want is to be a burden when I already feel like I’m to blame for everything.”

“Like hell you are.” Mason’s booming voice comes from behind us as he walks into the living room.

“Jesus, you scared me,” Maddie scolds. He scared the shit out of me too.

Mason ignores her as he approaches me. He leans over the back of the couch, towering over me. “You have nothing to feel guilty about, you hear me? He’s the one who made the choice to bring a gun, to lie about his past and job, and treat you like a human punching bag. I’m not one hundred percent innocent in the events that took place on Saturday, but I’d go to prison for the rest of my life before I’d let you take the blame for any of this.”

His words hit me like a ton of bricks, and I’m left speechless. The intensity in his eyes pin me in place, and I want to reach out and hug him.

“Mason’s right,” Lennon blurts after the silence gets awkward. “You were the victim, Soph. You can’t continue to blame yourself for any of this.”

My eyes shoot to her, and I hate the look of pity she gives me. I swallow and break my gaze before glancing back at Mason.

“Thank you,” I say softly. “And maybe we should blame Maddie,” I say teasingly, hoping the intense moment between Mason and me fades away.

“What the heck?” she screeches. “How so?”

Playfully, I point a finger at her. “Who made me get that stupid dating app to start?”

She rolls her eyes. “I picked some good ones on there for you, and if my memory serves me correct, you had something to say about all of them,” she says matter-of-factly, flicking her attention to Mason. I panic for a second, worried she’s going to rat me out on why I didn’t pursue them.

“Okay, fine. You’re off the hook,” I quickly say, wanting this conversation to end.

“I’m gonna hop in the shower,” Mason says, touching my shoulder and giving it a light squeeze. He went to the gym a couple of hours ago, and now that I’m looking, I notice his shirt is covered in sweat. He likes to work out and box, but now that he’s not at his day job, he spends more time there.

“Was that not the sweetest, most alpha male thing to say?” Maddie blurts the second Mason heads upstairs.

Oh my God.

I hope he didn’t hear that.

“If you don’t have his babies, then I’m gonna,” Maddie continues.

“Just when we thought it was safe to bring you back into the conversation,” I tease, blushing.

“Seriously, I think my ovaries burst,” Lennon adds, and I narrow my eyes at her.

I groan. “Shut up. Both of you.”

“Speaking of babies and ovaries,” Lennon says. “I never got to tell you guys on Saturday.”

My eyes widen as I study her expression. “Are you pregnant?”

When she smiles with a nod, I open my arms and lunge at her. “I can’t believe it!”

Maddie charges for her next, handing me Allie. “Dude, no wonder you made us stop at Taco Bell earlier.”

We laugh, and this was just the news I needed to hear.

“When did you find out? Do you know how far along?” I ask, bouncing my niece on my knee.

“Probably five or six weeks. I see the doctor next week to confirm. I found out last week and told Hunter on Saturday morning before the wedding, which is why I didn’t get the chance to tell you guys sooner.”

“You’re gonna be a big sister, Allie Kat,” I say, kissing her chubby cheeks. “Two kids under two. Oh my God.” I laugh.

“Yes, I know.” Lennon smiles, but it’s one of pure joy. She and Hunter deserve it, and I’m so happy for them.

We talk and play with Allie for another hour. I avoid bringing up Weston for as long as possible, though they’re both concerned. They’ve already agreed to come to the funeral with me this weekend, and once it’s over, I’ll have closure for good.

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