Page 56 of Love on the Edge
I knew it before she said it, but hearing it out loud—hearing it from someone who has seen it, who has felt it, who knows him better than anyone—makes it real in a way I can’t ignore.
And I love him.
I’ve loved him for longer than I’ve let myself admit.
I knew he was technically still married. I knew Margo was refusing to sign the papers. And still, when things got hard—when he needed me the most—I left. I blocked him. Not because of anything he did, but because I was selfish. Because it was easier to run than to stand beside him and fight.
Nina had every right to blame me. To yell at me. To cut me out of her life.
But she didn’t.
She encouraged me. She told me the truth. And now, I can’t ignore it.
I look over at the edge of the rink. My parents are there, standing next to Grant and Hannah, all four of them smiling, proud, watching me like I’ve just accomplished something incredible.
But this isn’t the moment that matters.
This isn’t the thing that makes my heart race.
Because I already know what I need to do.
I’m done running.
It’s time to go home.
It’s time to tell Ethan that I love him.
I straighten my tie,adjusting the knot with a sharp tug. Today is the day. The custody hearing. The moment everything comes to light.
Margo never backed down. She never does. She doesn’t want me back. But she wants to win. And she knows the best way to hurt me.
She won’t sign the damn papers. Won’t let me move on. Won’t let go. Instead, she’s throwing everything she has at this, using every trick, every lie, every manipulation to take away the one thing that means more to me than anything else.
CC.
I exhale, slow and controlled, gripping the edge of the dresser to steady myself. She’s doing this to punish me. Because I rejected her. Because I told her no. Because I wouldn’t take her back, no matter how many times she tried.
I wasn’t happy with her. I never was. But knowing she hurt our daughter? That was worse than anything else.
Who would’ve thought that her leaving was the best thing that ever happened to us?
Too bad she didn’t stay gone.
“Daddy… why can’t I skip school and come?” CC’s small voice pulls me from my thoughts. I turn to find her standing in the doorway, her little face pinched in frustration.
I sigh, kneeling so we’re at eye level. “Well, sweetheart, this is grown-up stuff.”
“But I want to help,” she whines, crossing her arms.
I tuck a curl behind her ear, my heart squeezing. She already did. “CC, you did help. You recorded the video for the judge. You told your story. You were so brave.” My voice softens, but there’s an edge of steel beneath it. “Now it’s my turn to protect you.”
Her bottom lip wobbles, but she nods. I press a kiss to her forehead, pulling her into a hug.
“Uncle Harold and Aunt Joanne are going to watch you today after school,” I continue, forcing a smile. “And Uncle Nikolai is coaching you, along with Aunt Zara.”
Her eyes widen, the small spark of excitement cutting through the worry. “Oh! That’s exciting!” Then, just as quickly, her face falls. “But… I miss Valeria. Will she be there?”
I freeze.
