The Chase

“You’re different people. He lived his life. I get that his was too short, and I understand that most dads only want what’s best for their kids. Mine was a horrible exception, but I grasp the concept. Hell, my babies aren’t even born yet, and I’m already wanting to plan their perfect lives. And don’t get me started on the two control freaks I live with… But we can’t do that because our kids will have their own paths to take, just like you have yours.”

“You’re really smart.” Tears stung Heavenly’s eyes. “And all this confusion has made me feel so dumb.”

“Not dumb, sweetie. His death was sudden, and you’ve been through a lot. Besides, you saw the physical mess I was after I killed Bill. You don’t see the emotional wreck. I’m still in therapy. I still have nightmares. But Hammer and Liam are here for me every step of the way. Beck and Seth have been for you, too, right?”

She sniffled. “They’ve gone above and beyond.”

“Exactly. They’re being more patient with you in all this turmoil than you’re being with yourself. They don’t expect you to have all the answers right now, do they? If they do, I’ll rip them new assholes. I can, you know. I’m a hormonal Molotov cocktail.”

Despite her misery, Heavenly laughed. “No. And in a fight, my money would be on you.”

Raine chuckled, her voice soft and warm again. “All I’m saying is let yourself make the best decision for you—without worrying what your dad or the people at the hospital or anyone else would say. I’m pretty sure everyone at my hair salon thinks I’m an utter whore for living with two men. I don’t care. In fact, I don’t give two shits because I’m happy. And I’m almost sure most of them are miserable bitches who are jealous of my sex life, but I don’t have the energy to care. Get to that place before you make decisions. Be sure that whatever you’re doing, you’re doing it for you.”

“You’re right. And whatever happens, I’ll do my best to make sure the guys are at peace with the outcome.”

“You have to be happy. They won’t be if you only stay to make them happy. Just like you can’t live for your dad, you can’t live for Beck and Seth. Personally, I think they’re going to make you so over the moon with bliss, you’ll never want to leave. But if I’m wrong and you need to go to Chicago or wherever, then go.”

But Heavenly did understand. “Yeah. I’m coming back to LA with an open mind and an open heart. I’m going to treat this relationship as if it’s permanent and really try to make it work. Then come June, I’ll make the choice that makes me happiest. And if that’s apart from them, I’ll let them down gently.”

“Thank you. But I think it’s too late for the gentle thing, sweetie. They love you.”

“I know. They told me last night.”

“What did you say?”

When they’d first confessed how they felt, she’d been shocked mute. Her heart had stopped. Her belly had flipped. Even now when she mentally replayed the moment, she fought not to cry.

Funny how three words made everything so real…

“Nothing. I was too busy sobbing.”

“Were their feelings really news to you?”

“Yes.”

“Then you weren’t paying attention. But you’ve had your hands full, so I get it. Listen, you love them, too, right? I haven’t been misreading you all this time?”

Some turbulence jostled the plane. Heavenly gripped the arm of her seat. Beck and Seth both shifted in their cushy recliners mid-cabin.

Eyeing them, she answered carefully. “You haven’t.”

“Can’t talk? Are they nearby?”

“Still asleep…I think.”

“Ah,” Raine crooned as if that explained everything. “Well, will you promise me something? Don’t tell them you love them unless you’re sure you want to stay for good.”

Because it would be too painful if she said the words and then left anyway. “I won’t. I promise.”

“Thanks. What time do you land? It’s a gorgeous day here, and if this is going to be your first night living under the same roof with them, you should make it special.”

She hadn’t thought of that, but it made sense. “We’ll be at Beck’s place before noon, I think. You have something in mind, don’t you?”

“Oh, I do.” She laughed.

That sounded a little cunning and full of delicious badness. Heavenly was on board. “What do I need to do?”

“Tell the guys you need some stuff. Get a credit card. We’ll go shopping, and I’ll explain a few things you need to understand before tonight.”