Page 64 of The Third Girl

CHAPTER 28

MATT

Everything has been a blur since Skylar left in the middle of the night. I’m terrified she’s going to let me know anytime now that I need to find an alternative childcare solution for my daughter. That she’s done with me.

But shit, that’s not the worst part of it. I need this woman in my life. Not for Sailor.Ineed her.Me.I tip the beer I’ve been nursing to my lips, glancing around at the roomful of family members and friends who have gathered at this fancy bed-and-breakfast for Kennedy and Travis’s wedding rehearsal and dinner. We made it through the practice run in the garden without any major blunders, and I can’t imagine anything going wrong—unless of course, it has to do with the tiny pixie with a pink arm cast sitting across the table from me with her Nana Claire. Mom’s arm is still immobilized from her surgery. Side by side, they make quite the pair.

My gaze slides to the right where Skylar is sitting with Laney. She’s kept her distance from me the entire evening. When we practiced earlier, Skylar had set Sailor off down the aisle in the correct direction, but once that job was done, she’d disappeared until it was time for dinner. I have no idea where she went, and she’s usually easy for me to read, but today, she hasn’t looked me in the eye once, so I have no idea what’s in her head. I have a feeling that’s intentional. She said her piece, and that’s that. God, I’ve fucked this up so badly. She’s everything good in my life. Why do I continue to push her away? I close my eyes, resting my head on my hand where I’ve propped my elbow on the table. So goddamn stupid. I’ve been lost in my grief for long enough. I have to make things right with her.

But this weekend is about Travis and Kennedy, and I need to keep it that way for my sanity. And also so Kennedy doesn’t kill me. I chuckle internally at the thought. My soon-to-be sister-in-law has dreamed of this wedding since she and Travis were together in high school. My eyes flick to the two of them seated together, whispering quietly to each other every few seconds. They’ve been nonstop smiles today, and it’s obvious to everyone that they’re very much in love. I glance down at my wedding ring. My heart squeezes uncomfortably in my chest. I’m never going to be happy without her.

A hand lands on my shoulder, startling me from my thoughts. Logan stands behind me, giving me a grim look. “Hey.” He jerks his head toward the open bar. “Let’s get a drink. You need out of your fuckin’ head for a minute.”

I blow out a breath, knowing he’s correct. Scooting my seat backward, I stand to join him, and we head over to collect drinks from the bar. Once we have them in hand, Logan motions to the exit of the private room that we’ve been in for the rehearsal dinner. Probably for the best that we leave the room if we’re going to have any sort of real conversation.

“It’s a shame Sailor got hurt. She’s fuckin’ cute with that pink cast, though.” Logan sighs as he leans against the wall. “You could have called us. We’d have come to help. You didn’t have to be there alone.” He studies me as he takes a sip of his whiskey.

Damn this guy.I’m positive he already knows who was at the hospital with me.

He raises one brow. “Oh, did you call someone else?”

I lift my drink to my lips and give him an eye roll. “I think you already know the answer to that.”

He smirks before nodding. “I might have overheard a few things Skylar said to Laney earlier. And… usually I’d let your brother be the one to talk some sense into you, but he’s a bit busy right now.”

“I’m aware. That’s why I haven’t tried to talk to Sky tonight, this is Trav’s weekend with Kennedy. I don’t want to screw things up. And Sky isn’t staying tonight.”

“Right, but that doesn’t mean you and I can’t talk right now.” He works his jaw back and forth, as if he’s considering what approach to take with me. Finally, he shrugs. “Look, you know I’m a straight shooter. Here are the plain facts as I see them. Tell me at any point if I have it wrong.” He draws in a breath. “You lost your wife. It was devastating. You’re left to raise your daughter on your own when that wasneverthe plan. Then, here comes this young woman. She’s pretty and nice and when you need someone, she offers to watch your kid for you. You make an arrangement. And because she’s at your home a lot, you get to know her. You like what you see, how she treats you and Sailor. And over time, you don’t see her as the nanny, and it doesn’t matter that she’s younger or even that she’s Laney’s coworker. She’sSkylar.And you want her.”

I wet my lips, feeling every word he’s saying. “Go on,” I say roughly.

Logan presses his lips together. “Okay. Things between you have progressed, youlikethis girl, and now you don’t know what to do about that first issue. Because the rest of it is nothing, really. There were plenty of things that seemed like problems at first, but they’re not. Not really. But moving on from Terri? That’s big. And that’s where you’re stuck.” He takes a deep swallow of his whiskey, rolling it around in his mouth before he swallows. “Tell me I’m wrong. I dare you.”

“No. As usual, you’re spot on.” I need a crowbar to pry the rest from my lips, but I do it. Because I need to say this. “Except I don’t like her.” I pause again, meeting his eyes. “I think it might be love.”

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