Page 15 of Accidentally Falling
“He’s a silver lab. We got him from a rescue in eastern Tennessee that was overcrowded. He’s incredibly smart, andafter going through some standard training, we started doing more advanced work.”
“Think he’ll be good with kids?” I ask without looking at anyone.
“He should be. He’s got a great temperament, and you have plenty of time to socialize him with other pets and kids before then.”
“All right, let’s see him.”
“You ready to talk about it?”Deacon asks as we stare at each other over the burgers he cooked when we got home.
Sorren was right; Dez and I fit in a way I didn’t quite know how to articulate. It was strange, but there was no denying that he was meant to be mine.
I hope Arden is okay with dogs.
I asked Sorren to keep him for a couple of days until I can really talk to Arden and figure at least some of this out.
“Which part?”
“You pick.”
“Arden came to the bar late one night. She was upset…” My voice trails off because it’s hard to put into words what happened. It hadn’t been about the sex, although that had been life-altering even before I knew about the baby.
That night had been raw, all-encompassing passion. There’d been no pretenses, no motives, just two people who connected in a way that few would understand or experience.
She made me feel and I didn’t hate it.
Not that night.
And not even when she disappeared.
I’d been hurt but that’s not the same thing. Memories of the way she looked this morning eased the ache. She’d been scared. Hell, she’s still scared, and I can’t blame her because I’m scared too.
“You’re gonna be great,” my brother says, his voice full of emotion as I meet his gaze. “Really great.”
“Thanks. I just need to talk to her. She’s runnin’ scared but there’s not a whole lot I can’t fix. I need her to see that.”
“She will, just give her some time. Today was a shock not just for us but her too. You could see it on her face. She wasn’t maliciously hiding it; she was protecting herself.”
“She got my number from somewhere and texted me. I was pissed and I didn’t text her back.” The idea of Arden eight months pregnant rolling into the bar and me never knowing because I was too damn stubborn makes my stomach clench. “Feels like I fucked that up.”
“Yes and no.” His answer is automatic and it eases some of the doubt. “You both had your reasons. You just gotta make sure the other person understands so it doesn’t happen again.”
“You’re right,” I admit as my cell lights up on the table.
“I know. Is it her?” His response is smug and I ignore him as the messages keep coming.
ARDEN: I know you hate texting but I’m too tired for anything else
ARDEN: I’m sorry about today. All I keep thinking about is the look on your face and it hurts. I can feel your hurt
ARDEN: I’m so sorry that’s how you found out
JUDE: I’m pissed you’ve been avoiding me
ARDEN: I wasn’t, not in the way you’re thinking but that’s too much to text
JUDE: Make time for me
ARDEN: I promise
