Page 112 of Safe Place

And he is. Wyatt’s dad is actually one of the rare ones—respectable, humble, and nothing like my father.

“Shit,” Grant mutters.

“Yeah. I fucked up,” Wyatt says again, softer this time. “The worst part? She was going to drag Poppy down too—tell people she ‘stole me from my pregnant girlfriend.’” He lets out a humorless laugh. “I was really starting to like Poppy. She’s everything Kate isn’t. She doesn’t care about money, doesn’t give a damn who my dad is. She just likes me. I really thought she could be the one for me. But I guess I’ll never know.”

“You should’ve told her,” Grant says. “You didn’t have to break her like that.”

“I did,” Wyatt insists. “Kate doesn’t want anyone knowing about the pregnancy yet.”

He takes a long pull from his beer, jaw tight.

“How was I supposed to end things without telling her the truth? I couldn’t give her something to hold onto. No hope. No waiting around.” His voice drops. “If she thinks I’m an asshole—if she hates me for it, it’ll be easier for her to let go.”

“What did you say to her?” I ask.

“She came back when Kate was still here,” he says, staring at his beer. “And Kate said we were back together. I think Poppy assumed we’d slept together or something…and I let her think that.”

I shake my head. “So you let her think you cheated? And that you’re back with your crazy ex?”

He doesn’t answer.

I continue, “She’s devastated, man. And clearly so are you, seeing how you’re drinking.”

He takes a sip of his beer. “Fuck. I just can’t drag her into this.”

The room is silent.

Grant crosses the room and grabs the bright yellow duffle bag. “I’ll take this. It’s Poppy’s, right?” he says quietly. “She shouldn’t have to come back here.”

I nod, then turn to Wyatt. “I need to get back to Sophie. She’s, uh, had a day. I just—I need to be there for her right now.”

Wyatt nods without looking up. “Yeah. I get it. Thanks for stopping by, guys. And Grant, please take care of her, okay?”

“Yeah. Sure.”

“Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help,” I add. “Really.”

He just lifts the beer to his lips. Doesn’t say a word.

Grant and I head for the door.

THIRTY-ONE

This is what I didn't know I was missing

SOPHIE

Micah and I are eating at the island when my phone buzzes on the counter.

Poppy

Hey. Can I come over? No pressure if it's a bad time.

I look up. “Poppy wants to come over.”

Micah doesn't even pause. “Of course. This is your home too—you don't have to ask my permission.”

Something about the way he says it so simply—your home—makes my chest feel full in the best way. I still haven't gotten used to it.