Page 73 of The Biggest Secret
But Chelsea and I are still not talking. I miss her. I miss Dominic. And I don’t know how to fix it.
“Adam? How about you?” I lift my eyes to Bobby, only half catching what he’s saying.
“Yeah, Adam, wouldn’t it be nice to come home to your woman each night?” Billy snipes out and my pulse races. I shoot him a glare that should shut him up, but he’s Billy and pushing buttons is what he does best. “You do remember what that’s like right?”
Is this guy for fucking real, right now?
“Actually, he probably doesn’t since he was always working.”
“Fuck you, Billy.” I can’t help the venom that spews from my lips.
“Whatever, it’s your funeral.” Then, in a tone so low I almost miss it, “but Jesus, get it together. It’s not just you two anymore.”
“Keep your mouth shut about shit you don’t know.” Before I know it, I’m out of my seat and standing toe to toe with my youngest brother. The one I saved, the one I’d do anything for and yet he’s got me so riled up right now I’m ready to fight him over a woman.
Not just any woman.My woman.
“I don’t know about it, huh? What I wouldn’t do to be in your shoes.” He drops his head, shaking it, staring at the ground. Taking a breath, he raises it and stares back at me. Challenging me. “I was there, too, Adam, and we’re all here now. You’re suffocating us, tying our hands, not allowing us to do what we do best. Be a family.”
“Don’t. Talk,” I grind out. This guy thinks he knows because he watches from the sideline. But I’m playing the fucking game. My team may be losing but I’m still first string.
“Don’t let her go a second time, brother.” He spits theword. “If you do, it’s not just you who loses. We all have a lot more to lose this time around. Because if she runs? She’s taking my nephew with her.” He narrows his eyes at me. “I can’t lose him.”
I know it’s not just me anymore. Our whole family is invested in our relationship making it through to the end game. And what would be worse than losing CJ? Actively watching her find what we have with someone else. My hands clench at just the thought of it. The guy’s head inside for the night and then leave me alone, as well. I need to fix this. I need to save my family.
Chapter Forty-Three
CHELSEA
Wedding day is here, and I need to just make it through the day. I hate that I’m feeling that way, that I’m robbing Francesca of my attention on her most important day. That I’m robbing joy from yet another Casanova event. Britt and Janet are the only two people who know I’m pregnant. It’s already two people too many when Adam should have been the first.
I’m still in shock. After talking with Janet, I stopped at the drugstore and bought three more tests. I waited until the morning and took them again, but there was no change. It was still a bright pink line staring back at me.
I curled up back in bed and allowed myself to dream even if just for a few moments. The backyard of Adam’s house, with the kids splashing in the pool while we sit on the patio under the sun. How do I ever go back to Adam now? I can admit I overreacted. But if I do it enough, he’sfinally going to come to a point where he won’t want to deal with my mood swings. Or maybe he just won’t want to deal with me. Period.
The girls are lined up and we’re making our way down the aisle. When Adam gave me the love knot ring years ago, I pictured this very scenario. Me walking down the aisle and him standing at the end waiting for me. I was scared and hesitant with him, but I always knew we’d get there.
Until I just couldn’t see it anymore.
My thumb spins the band of the ring he gave me, and his eyes never leave mine as I walk towards him. I flicker mine between all the guys standing there. The love that is showing on their faces is enough to break me right here. The emotion building in me is too much.
Do it for Francesca.
* * *
The ceremony was perfect and now it’s time to let loose. I wish I could have a drink. I’m faking it with apple juice in a champagne glass so no one will question me. I follow Dominic around who is outstanding in his little suit. He’s having the time of his life tonight, the star of the show. Snickering to myself, I won’t tell Chess and Jackson that their nephew has upstaged them today.
It’s time for the best man speech and I watch as the most handsome man I’ve ever laid eyes on takes the mic and delivers an epic speech for his best friend turned brother-in-law. I listen intently to every word he speaks, and I grow stronger in my resolve. I need him. We need him. I’ve been a fool and I need to make a decision. Right here. Right now. I will never run again. I will never push him away again.
I smile at the little dig Adam gives his twin brothers and laugh when they grumble about him loving them. His response of “I do love you, every one of you” is spoken. And when his eyes connect with mine, and he gives me a wink, and I know we have a chance still.
Chapter Forty-Four
ADAM
The night is ending, and it’s been one of the best I’ve had in a long time. I do miss being able to enjoy it with Chelsea though, because in my mind, this night should have played out differently than what it actually did. I’m sitting at the table with Dominic, he’s getting sleepy now and is curled up on my lap.
“Good day, bud?” I feel him nod against me, and I hold him just a little tighter. My eyes search the tent for Chelsea. I spot her across the way, talking intently with Britt. As if she feels my eyes on her, she glances up at me for a moment. Britt notices her trail of vision leading to me and reaches out, giving her hand a squeeze.
