Page 114 of One Reckless Night

He was right. I’d spent my entire life trying to impress everyone, trying to prove that I was worthy of love and respect. But in doing so, I’d pushed away the people who mattered most.

“I don’t want to lose her,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “But I don’t know how to fix this.”

Michael leaned forward, his expression serious. “You can’t mess this up, Jared. If you love her, you have to make it right. And you have to do it now, before it’s too late. She deserves to know how you feel. What are you going to do when the baby is here? Kids deserve and need unconditional love. You can’t withhold it or only offer praise for when the kid does something good.”

“I know. I just... I don’t know where to start. Every time I try to talk to her, it feels like I say the wrong thing. I’m not used to this, Michael. I’m not good at it.”

“You’re overthinking it, Jared. You don’t have to be perfect. Just be honest. Tell her how you feel. Show up for her—not just when it’s convenient, but when it’s hard. That’s what matters. You don’t have to be perfect. That’s always been your issue. Just be messy. Be real. It’s intimidating to be around someone that always thinks they have to be the best.”

“What if it’s too late? What if I’ve already screwed this up beyond repair?”

“It’s never too late,” Michael said. “Not if you’re willing to put in the work. Start small. Bring her something she likes, ask her how she’s feeling—really feeling—and just listen. Don’t try to fix everything right away. Just be there. And tell her how you’re feeling. If you love her, tell her.”

I had to show Amelia how much she meant to me, even if it meant being vulnerable in a way I never had before. She could destroy me. What Gemma did to me would pale in comparison to what Amelia could do. She had far more power.

“I’m staying with my wife and kids on the other side of Key West,” Michael said, standing up. “I’ll be here for a week. If you need anything, let me know. And maybe I’ll be able to meet her.”

“Thanks,” I said, my voice rough. “I’ll let you know. I don’t if she’ll be up to meet anyone. I don’t want her stressed out.”

“I get it. Let me know. The girls are loving the beach. I hope we can at least make time for you to see them.”

After Michael left, I sat in my office for a long time, staring at the wall and trying to figure out what to do next. How could I prove to Amelia that I wanted this—that I wanted her—when I had such a hard time showing my true emotions?

And then it hit me. An idea. It was risky, and it would require me to be more vulnerable than I’d ever been before. But if it worked, it might just be enough to show Amelia how much she meant to me.