My Peace (Beautifully Broken 5)

“You’re at a bar?” I ask him, confused. This isn’t like him.

“Yeah. It’s no big deal, babe. I’m so sorry you couldn’t reach me. That will never happen again. My phone will always be charged.”

“Ok,” I answer, but I’m still a bit bewildered. Pax hasn’t touched much alcohol at all in years. I’m not concerned, just… startled, I guess. This is twice in a week.

Maybe he’s decided, after all this time, that he’s ok with it.

That’s probably a good sign. Maybe? I don’t know.

“Mila, I love you,” he tells me. “I’ll see you soon.”

He hangs up, and Maddy looks at me. “See? He’s fine. You’re fine. All is well.”

She drives for a minute or two longer, then gives me side-eye.

“Should he be at a bar?”

“Pax knows his limitations,” I say firmly, and I believe that. “He chose to give up alcohol. If he thinks he can handle it now, then he can. I trust him.”

“Of course!” Maddy answers. “I trust him too.”

But we’re quiet, and I think we’re both wondering the same thing. Does Pax know what is best?

“His grandfather did just die,” Maddy says a bit later. “And you’ve had to move. And his leg is hurting him. I can tell. That’s a lot o

f change. And he’s worried about you, too.”

“I know,” I tell her. “Trust me. But Pax would say something if he felt overwhelmed. He doesn’t keep things from me. Not anymore.”

“That’s true,” Maddy admits, and she sounds relieved. “That’s very true.”

“So stop worrying,” I tell her. “All is well.”

“Don’t use my own words against me,” she demands indignantly. “That’s a very wise line, and I’m the one who uses it.”

I roll my eyes. “Ok. You own the line.”

“Damn straight.”

I nibble at my hamburger for the rest of the trip, and when we get to my home, Maddy shuffles me out and into the house. She hovers like a mother hen, and makes sure I go straight to the couch.

“You’re supposed to be on bed-rest this week,” she reminds me. “No walking around. Just to the bathroom.”

“Yes, mother.”

She glares. “Don’t take this lightly.”

I roll my eyes again. “Do you really think I’ll take it lightly?”

“No. I suppose not.”

She’s in the kitchen getting me a drink of water when Pax rushes through the door. He’s limping, of course, but he’s moving fast. Gabe and Brand are on his heels.

“Are you ok?” he asks, and he sits next to me, shoving my hair out of my eye. “Are you ok?”

“Yes,” I assure him. “I’m fine. I swear to God.”

He swallows. “And the baby is…”