Page 3 of Full Strength

“I didn’t-”

“Don’t deny it. I saw the papers with my own eyes.

“I was trying to-”

“To ruin everything, I’ve worked toward? Eli and I are fine. We don’t need your help.” She sighed, defeated. “I thought I could trust you, Grant. I thought we were friends.”

“You can trust me, Addison.”

She shook her head. “Not anymore.”

I scanned her face. “I’m so sorry. Please just let me explain.”

Her eyes looked sad. Disappointed. “You crossed the line, Grant.”

“What do you mean?”

“I can’t do this anymore.” I stepped forward but she held up her hands. “I can’t trust you and I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to be friends anymore.”

I couldn't have been more shocked if she punched me in the throat. It felt about the same.

“Addi, please.”

She shook her head. “Just go.”

I didn’t want to do it. I didn't want to leave things like this, but there was no use in arguing right now. She wasn’t in the right mental space to listen. I’d wait for her to calm down then I’d explain everything.

She would understand. She’d forgive me. I just had to be patient.

“I’m sorry.”

She didn’t meet my eyes before I turned and let myself out.

I closed the door behind me and I hated how final it felt. This wasn’t the end.

2

Addison

“Tell me exactly what you saw.” Emma held Jackson on her lap, bouncing one leg while sipping her iced coffee. As annoyed as I was with Grant, I couldn’t help but smile at how well she was doing. Having Olli home was exactly what she needed to overcome postpartum depression. She had no problem meeting me for coffee and bringing Jackson on her own. She’d come miles from where she was when we first met.

“A bunch of legal documents. Paternal rights. Custody agreements. Child support information.”

Emma nodded. “Was anything signed?”

I pulled my eyebrows together. “Not that I saw.”

“So, it’s not like he went behind your back and contacted your ex.”

I fidgeted with Eli’s empty bottle. “He might have.”

“Have you ever told Grant his name?”

I shook my head. I hadn’t told anyone that didn’t already know. I’d closed that chapter in my life. Sure, Eli had his father’s eyes but the rest of him was all me. No daily reminder of his DNA donor.

“Then I think I have to say it.”

I met her eyes. “Say what?”