“What if Grayson doesn’t let the girls come back to the store?” I ask, feeling my heart crumble in my chest.
“No. He wouldn’t do that.”
“I never thought he would toss me to the curb either, but here I am.”
“He’s hurting, Laken.”
“I know. I know he is. I hate this being in limbo. I mean, he broke up with me, but the pain on his face, I know he didn’t want to.”
“He’ll realize his mistake. Give him some time to wrap his head around it all.”
“You’re right.” I grab the bill. “You ready?”
“Yes.” She smiles. After sliding out of the booth, I pay our bill even though Justine complains about it.
“I invited you.”
“And you’re my best friend. I needed this today. I needed a reason to drag my ass out of bed, and it’s even better that I’m out of Mason Creek for the day. I needed this.”
She leans into me, placing her arm around my shoulders. “Thank you for breakfast, Laken.”
“You’re welcome. Now, let’s go take some pictures.” We pile back into her car and head to Yellowstone County.
As we’re pulling in, her phone rings. “Hello?” She pauses. “Yeah, we made it. All is good,” she replies. “Okay, we’ll be home later this afternoon.” She ends the call and looks at me. “Ready?”
“Let’s do this.”
“I can’t wait to see the prints,” I tell Justine as we leave the studio. “Tucker is going to flip.”
“Right? I’m not going to show him until I get them. I want to at least have that part of the surprise.”
“Great idea. If you can hold out, he might use his manly persuasion on you.” I laugh.
“I can’t help it,” she defends. “It’s this thing he does with his tongue—” she starts, but my laughter cuts her off.
“I don’t need the details.”
“Fine,” she concedes. “But trust me. His tongue has magical powers.”
“Stop!” I shake my head.
“I’m starving. You good to stop and eat before we head back?”
“Yes. Why is it that pancakes never seem to stay with you? I eat them, and I’m stuffed, but then a couple of hours and I’m starving again.”
“You know, you’re right. That always seems to happen.”
“What does the baby want for lunch?” I ask her.
“Everything,” she replies as seriously as ever.
“I’m open to anything. You and the baby pick.”
“Got it.” She pulls out of the parking lot.
Justine chooses a food truck of all things. It turns out it was a great choice. The pulled pork sandwich hit the spot. On the drive home, we talk about pregnancy and names she and Tucker are tossing around.
I turn on my phone that’s been charging and see several missed calls from Grayson. My heart swells in my chest. He’s trying to reach me. Not wanting to talk to him while I’m in the car with Justine, I type out a message.
Me: Hey, my phone died. We’re about fifteen minutes away from Mason Creek.
His reply is immediate.
Grayson: I love you, Laken.
Me: I love you too.
Sliding my phone into my purse, I try to not get my hopes up that he’s changed his mind. When we hit the city limits for Mason Creek, the heavy is back, but it’s not as bad as it was when the day started.
Spending the day with my best friend was exactly what I needed. It also helps that I heard from Grayson, and he loves me. He and the girls need me to fight for them, and that’s exactly what I plan to do. They’re my family. The three of them own my heart, and I refuse to just give up. I don’t want to live my life with regrets. I know that if I don’t try, I’ll regret it. I’ll always wonder what-if.
Trouble in Paradise
Looks like our new favorite couple might be calling it quits. Hearts are breaking all over
Mason Creek for the loss of Grayken.
We’re cheering for you.
Chapter 26
Grayson
I’m wide awake when I hear my front door open. Pulling up the security app on my phone, I see my mom and Christine’s car in the driveway. After climbing out of bed, I use the restroom and throw on a shirt. I peek in on the girls who are still soundly sleeping and make my way to the kitchen. It’s just before eight in the morning and my parents and my ex-in-laws have invaded my house. This is my mom’s doing I’m certain.
“I should call the cops,” I say in greeting.
“Oh, hush. We both have a key.” Mom waves me off.
“You doing okay?” Christine asks me.
“I am.”
“You look tired,” Mom comments.
“I haven’t been to bed yet.” Technically I was in bed, but I wasn’t sleeping.
“What can we do, Grayson?” my mom asks.
“You two have done so much already.” I walk to Christine and wrap her in a hug. “Thank you for the letter.”
“That was all Holly,” she says, tears welling in her eyes.