“Easier said than done. She goes along with things just to avoid conflict. That’s what her dad told me.”
“Who knows her better? You or her dad?” A door slams, and Mom stands. “Sounds like she’s here. I’ll go so you can spend time with your wife.”
I give Mom a hug, thankful my parents live close and that I can still get surprise visits and warm chocolate chip cookies. “Love you, Mom.”
She pats my cheek. “And I love you, Parker. I want you to be happy. And just maybe, what makes you happy makes her happy too.”
The door opens, and Bluebonnet steps inside. “Mrs. Fields, hi.”
“Bluebonnet!” Mom opens her arms, and Bluebonnet steps into them.
My family is her family, which makes this so much more complicated.
* * *
“Parker,I need to talk to you.” Bluebonnet pulls her hair over her shoulder and twists the end of her ponytail.
She’s nervous, which means she’s anticipating an uncomfortable conversation. But I’m prepared for this. I think.
While I want nothing more than to be married to this beautiful woman, I’m not going to hold her hostage. “What’s up?”
“John messaged me, and he’s in town. Wants to meet. I was hoping—”
It turns out I was not ready for this conversation or the mention of her ex. “You should meet up with him. I’m sure you miss him, and it might be good for y’all to talk.” My voice doesn’t even crack as I hammer the nails into my own coffin.
It makes perfect sense. The only reason they aren’t still together is because of the baby, and that’s not an issue anymore.
She shifts her ponytail to the other side and starts twisting again. “Okay.”
“Listen, I need to go. But let me know how it goes.” I march out of the cabin and swing the door closed with a bit too much force. This is not how I expected things to end.
After driving aimlessly for a half hour, I head to Mom and Dad’s. If I’m lucky, she’s making cookies again. But I might pair them with something a bit stronger than milk.
Paisley’s car is out front, and I take a deep breath before going in. She probably knows that Bluebonnet wants to get back together with John. I shut off the engine and walk to the door. Before I can knock, it swings open.
“Where’s Bluebonnet?” Paisley looks panicked.
“Meeting with John.”
Her panic morphs into anger. “What?”
“I told her she should.” I push past my sister and step inside.
“Are you stupid?” Hands propped on her hips, she shakes her head. “What are you thinking?”
“He’s not. And don’t call your brother stupid.” Mom pats my arm. “Listen to your sister.”
I need them to back off. “Look she brought up meeting with John. It wasn’t my idea.”
Paisley rubs her face. “She was hoping you’d show up to the meeting and give John the ring back. That way, she wouldn’t have to see him.”
The words are like a meat cleaver to my heart. “She didn’t say that.”
“There are a lot of things she hasn’t said. And there are thingsyouhaven’t saidthat need to be said.” She closes her eyes and sighs.
“I think I’ve made my feelings clear.”
“Have you told her that you love her?”
