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How could I want her as badly as I do if I made her miserable?
Those photos will haunt me forever.
It was fun to see my daughter grow up, how she looked just like me as a baby, the blond hair a tell-tell sign that she’s mine. Never mind the mannerisms I’ve noticed she didn’t learn anywhere else. However, studying Emily’s slumped shoulders, the dark circles under her eyes, the hairs sticking out on end in the pictures—it didn’t look easy doing it by herself.
We were supposed to talk about the future, what will happen, and we haven’t, really. Over the last couple days, I’ve been secretly researching Goldheart dental practices and seeing if there’s a demand, driving around to get a feel of the town. Goldheart is completely different to La Jolla in vibe and atmosphere. I’m giving up the beach for a lake, something I wouldn’t mind doing.
Goldheart also has this pretty woman in front of me, who gave me the most perfect child. A child I want to see every day.
Emily’s tan leg is bent, resting on the cushion, and I want to reach out to touch her skin. Her lips press to the corner of her pint glass, and I wish I could taste her. The closer we get, the more I want to say “Fuck it” and bring her lips to mine.
However, I’m the bad guy here, and it feels like I’m taking advantage that I was the only guy she has ever slept with. I should’ve tried harder. I shouldn’t have waited until Thanksgiving. The second I stepped off that plane and her phone wasn’t working, I should’ve driven to Goldheart and taken her in my arms.
It’s too late. Too much pain has happened.
“How’s the beer?” Emily asks.
“Great, actually. Your dad is really talented.”
“It’s more Reid nowadays. My dad is a big-picture kind of guy.”
“What do you do for them?”
“Social media. I run the Instagram and Facebook, and I started a TikTok that I make my brothers be in. We got a viral video the other day.”
“Nice,” I say, taking another sip. Brains and beauty.
Emily might be the best thing to ever happen to me, and I blew it.
“It’s funny how many things can change in a year. They’re all coupled up now. Cameron is having a baby, and he married his wife a couple months ago. Reid just proposed to Whitney. It’s coming for Jackson and his girlfriend, Shiloh. That just leaves me.”
“Leaves you?”
“I’m the single one. The celibate one.”
We could change that.
No, shut up, Max.
“Maybe you’ll find another guy. Just because Burke wasn’t it…” That hurt coming out of my mouth. Because I’m starting to want it to be me. “You’re too good of a woman, Emily.”
“Why, thank you. You’re not too bad, yourself.” Emily pauses and looks down at her glass, tracing the edge. “Max, what are we going to do?”
I rest my elbow on the back of the couch and my head on my hand. “I don’t know.”
“You don’t live here.”
“I’m fully aware of that.”
“You’re taking over Fred’s practice.”
I flinch. Emily never met my stepdad, so why is she using his first name? “First-name basis with him?”
“I’ve heard you say it, I think.” She takes a nervous drink of her beer. “Have you heard from your mom since you told her?”
“No. I told her I would see them on Saturday. We’ll discuss more then, I’m sure.” I really stare at her. “Why do you keep asking?”
She pauses and shakes her head. “Nothing. I’m just curious how they’re taking it, that’s all.”
