Page 65 of Shattered Hearts

“No,” I answer with no hesitation, “it doesn’t. If he wasn’t a good father, and he left your mum alone with you and your siblings, I think you can be happy to some degree.”

He sighs, groaning into his hands. “Paisley doesn’t like that I wanted him to leave, but I think it’s because she spent more time with him growing up. I was eleven when he left. She was sixteen.”

“Maybe it does have something to do with her being older. But I know she also works closely with your mum.”

“Yeah. Paisley is going to help her open the bookstore here in town. They’re looking at the old wine store down by the ice cream shop.”

“That’s a good spot. Does she need help with renovating it?”

Knox nods. “She will when it’s ready. Mum’s still a bit behind with money, but once she’s approved for the loan, it’ll be go time.” He looks at me with a sad smile. “She’s always wanted to open up a bookstore of her own.”

I smile. Seeing how much Knox loves his family is endearing. It reminds me of my own family, tight knit and protective.

“Listen,” I start before he leaves the car, “we have family dinner every Sunday evening. If you ever want to come along, you’re welcome to.”

Knox grins and he holds out his hand. I clasp it, chuckling as he grabs his jacket and keys. “Thanks, Gray. Maybe next week.”

“All right, bet.”

“I’ll see you next weekend then, and thanks for today… and the talk.” He jumps out of my ute, slamming the door behind him before rushing into his house. I wait until he’s inside before driving back to the ranch, where I find Betsie parked out the front. My pulse picks up at the sight.

Laynie’s here.

Going inside the main house, I peer around and don’t see her anywhere. Odd. Macie, Reid, and Cole are talking on the couch. Aspen is with Holden and Dad playing with stuffed toys and Mum is busy in the kitchen.

Frowning, I carry my shoes through the house, dropping my keys on the bench. Without a word, Mum tips her head towards the back door, indicating for me to head outside. Walking out, I find Laynie standing on the porch, bundled up in her overalls and a thick jacket and scarf. Holding a steaming mug of tea, she peers over her shoulder. I see a shimmer of delight in her crystal eyes as I slip on my shoes and stand beside her, smiling faintly.

“You know the fire is on inside, right?” I ask, staring out at the deepening sky above. “Yet you choose to stand out here in the cold. That’s dedication.”

Laynie snorts a small laugh, and it’s like music to my ears. “I know. I just got off the phone with Charlotte and needed a moment.”

That makes me turn to face her. “What better place to be, then.”

“Exactly.” She sips on her drink.

Smiling, I want to reach out and touch her. Stroke her cheek. Tangle my fingers through her long hair. Hold her and kiss her. I know I’m not meant to think of her like that. She’s my friend. My friend who I have loved for a really long time. My friend with plump pink lips that are enticing. I bet they taste like strawberries, just like her hair.

Clearing my throat, her eyes meet mine again, and I almost melt at how beautiful they are. Deep onyx rimmed in bright blue like crystal. They’re mesmerising.

“I’m glad you came tonight.”

“Of course I did. You think I would miss out on Hazel’s cooking?” she asks, the corners of her mouth curling.

“True, nobody can pass that up,” I drawl, inching closer. She doesn’t move away. “How are you feeling?”

Her shoulders shrug. “Actually, pretty good. I had a sleep this afternoon.” I grin. “I feel like I’m in a good place right now, although I am starting to feel like a sardine in my own home with how cluttered it’s become. But I can’t really complain. My parents are back. I have my friends with me… and you.” The last word is soft and tender, it sears my heart.

“Me?” My eyebrows rise a fraction.

Laynie’s cheeks deepen to a perfect shade of pink, matching her lips that I’m trying my hardest not to stare at. “Yeah. You.” My heart thuds against my ribs violently. “I’m glad I have my best friend sticking by me.”

I feel my forehead creasing before I have time to stop it, and she definitely notices. I can make out the slant of her eyebrows as I mutter, “Right.”

I don’t know if she means for me to see her gaze drop to my mouth, but I do. How could I not? She’s all I think about these days. More than ever before. I think it’s my protective side, and for some reason I have always had this side of me that’s needed to look out for Laynie. We both know her parents. While they’re great and fun, they haven’t always been the most sheltering. Which is why I took it upon myself to protect Laynie when she was younger, and it’s stuck.

And now, with her baby growing, there’s a part of me that feels responsible for protecting it.

I might not be its dad, but I’m still going to be there for it once it’s born. If Laynie wants me there, then there’s no place I’d rather be than by her side.