Page 140 of Cougar

“I didn’t lie,” I whisper. “I was going to tell you, but—”

“No buts. Move.” She shoves me away, then grabs the door and slams it shut.

Taking a step back, I prop my hands on my hips and drop my head as Jay slips behind the wheel and drives off.

Emerson

“And they lived happily ever after.”

“Mommy, what does happily ever after mean?”

“It means they live the rest of their lives happy.”

“But what if something happens to one of them?”

“That’s not how fairy tales work, baby. The prince and princess always get their happily ever after.”

Today marks one year since Marcus passed. A dull ache spreads across my chest, reminding me of what I lost.

Jay climbs into my bed and snuggles up beside me. “I can’t believe it’s been a year already,” she sighs.

“I can’t either,” I murmur as I stroke her hair.

“Do you love Cam?”

“Yes,” I whisper. “I’m sorry if that hurts you.”

“It doesn’t. It’s just… do you love him more than you loved Dad?”

I close my eyes. “Jay, I can’t ever and will never compare anyone or anything to the love I had and still have for your father. We were together for nearly twenty-two years. He was my husband, the father of my child, and the love of my life. But I also love Cam. It’s different, but it’s real.”

“Doesn’t it bother you that he’s been with a bunch of women?”

It shouldn’t, but jealousy is in my DNA, both as a Mackenzie and as a female.

I snort. “No.”Yes.“Jay, I can’t be upset that he had a life before me. Just like I couldn’t be upset about the things your father did before we met.”

“I’m scared.” Her eyes fill with tears.

“Of what?”

“That you’ll start a whole new life with Cam and forget about Dad. That you’ll forget about us as a family before he died.”

“Jayla—”

“Everything has changed. I feel like our family has been pulled apart ever since we got here. Bass is with Lisa. You’re with Cam. I’m with Zach. I’m not really sure what Grace is doing, but I hardly ever see her unless she’s in the kitchen.”

“Honey, no one is ever going to come between you and me. You are my child, and you will always come first. And Grace is fine. She discovered Netflix.”

She snorts. “Enough said.”

“Okay?”

“Okay.” She sighs. “Then you have my blessing. But if he hurts you, I’ll kick his ass.”

He already has.

Emerson

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