“Why have you come to me?” he asked.
“You think I didn’t notice the way you looked at her all those years ago, especially when you assumed no one was looking? I saw.”
“My life is in the city.”
“Oh, please, look around you. I’ve been following you, Dean Lighthouse, and you’re fucking miserable.”
Dean smiled, recalling her cussing. She’d waved her arm in the air as if it was a pointless conversation, and in a way, it was.
She got what she wanted.
From the background, he’d been making sure Daphne was safe. She didn’t need money, as she was an adept businesswoman when it came to the bed-and-breakfast. She didn’t have any large purchases, and she kept people coming back for more of what her place had to offer. The real chance of getting away from the city with a friendly atmosphere.
“It has been twelve years.”
“So, the heart doesn’t forget what it wants. I guess what you’ve got to ask yourself, Dean, what is it you really want? An empty city apartment, or a woman with kids running around, making you happy?”
He wanted the latter. Daphne was his goal. He’d gotten off track for many years, but her grandma had come back and put him right back on it. What his friends didn’t know was that there wasn’t a six months’ booking in advance. He’d already booked the room. There was no call on the other end. He’d arranged for three rooms at the time. This trip was originally going to be his leaving present. He intended to back out of the company and live with Daphne full-time, helping her run this place.
After that night where Micah and Eric revealed their true feelings, he saw another plan start to form. One that included all of them. He loved Daphne and he loved his friends. They’d done everything together, and he couldn’t imagine a life without all of them in it. It wouldn’t be easy, but he’d make it work. He was determined to make it all work.
And he always, always, got what he wanted.
****
Daphne rolled over and came to a stop with a smile. It had been a month since her conversation with Dean. Life with all three of the men was just surreal. She talked to Bethany on a regular basis.
Reaching out, she picked up the folded letter with a single rose. The thorns had been removed. She inhaled the sweet scent before opening the card. She knew instantly it was from Micah. He’d taken to leaving her little tokens of affection.
She couldn’t help but feel his love.
Morning, beautiful. Gone into town for some supplies. We were out of your favorite syrup. Here’s a flower to remember me by. Wear something beautiful. Love, Micah.
She closed the card and slowly climbed out of bed. Putting a hand to her stomach, she started to feel sick. This time, she ran to the bathroom and threw up everything she’d eaten the night before. Holding on to the edge of the toilet, she continued to hurl, gasping for breath in between.
When it was over, she stayed leaned over, to make sure no more would come.
Standing up, she flushed the toilet and walked to her sink. She poured herself some water, swilling out her mouth before brushing her teeth. All the while avoiding her reflection.
You know what’s wrong.
You’re putting off the inevitable.
After she finished her teeth, she splashed water onto her face and made her way back into her bedroom to get dressed. She settled for a red summer dress. This one had little daisies on the base, which she loved. Binding her hair at the back of her nape, she left her bedroom. The scent of coffee had her pausing.
Another wave of sickness rushed toward her, but rather than succumb to the need, she made her way outside.
Pulling out her cell phone, she quickly dialed her best friend.
“This is way too early. Please tell me lockdown is over and I can actually come to work.”
“I’m pregnant.”
This had Bethany sitting up in bed. Her hair was a mess and it looked like there was drool across her cheek. “Back up. I thought you only suspected. You said yourself you’re not regular.”
“I know I’m not regular, but guess what, no period two months in a row, and now vomiting in the morning.”
“Did you eat something bad last night?” Bethany asked.
“Please, do you think I’d call you if I had something bad?”
“What did you have to eat?”
“Salad.”
“A dressing?”
“None.”
“Oh,” Bethany said.
“Yeah, oh. What the hell am I going to do?” She stopped when she got to the gate of her property. It had been left open because of Micah leaving.
She was tempted to leave, to go for a walk, but she didn’t want to worry them.
“So, you’re pregnant and it’s one of theirs. Whose do you think it is?”
Daphne groaned. “Your questions are making me sound like a slut.”