I blew out a breath, leaning my hip against the counter. “Yeah. I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

I thought about what Lauren had told me about her father. I thought about the fact that she hadn’t spoken to him in over a decade and never intended to again, even if he was dying. And I thought about how miserable I’d been without her the past few weeks. The woman could hold a grudge like no other. The question was—could she find it in her heart to forgive me?

Because I didn’t know if I could handle seeing her with someone else every time Preston and Alexis had an event. I didn’t know if I could handle living in this house without her and Riley here. I didn’t know if I could handle spending the rest of my life wondering what could have been.

So, while part of me was terrified that she’d reject me again, that she’d push me away, a bigger part knew I at least had to try.

I thought back to that night in Target, then at the bar, and finally in her office. It had taken time and patience to discover her name. Even then, it had taken months for her to let me into her bed. And even longer to let me into her heart.

And in a sudden moment a clarity, I knew Kate was right. I couldn’t give up.

I had to fight for Lauren.

Fight for us.