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The urge to swing by Katie’s place to see her first was strong, but she told me in an early morning text message that she’s meeting Tilly and Olivia for breakfast.
I scrub a hand over the back of my neck. “Kristin and her mom are setting up shop in California. Katie is here.”
Gus pushes the paper bag to the side before he lowers himself to the bench. “What’s Katie’s take on this?”
I’ve been hesitant to throw this at her.
I turned her life inside out once.
How the fuck can I ask her to do it again?
“Don’t tell me you haven’t discussed it with her.” Gus waves a finger at me.
“I can’t expect her to sacrifice everything for me, Gus.”
“You think it’s a sacrifice. Katie may see it differently.”
“I can do both coasts. I spend weekdays here, and a few times a month fly back there.”
“That sounds like a hell of a bad idea to me.”
“Why?” I ask with a cock of my brow. “It can work.”
“Until Kristin takes ill and you’re clear across the country.” He jabs a finger into my side. “Or you burn out because you’re running yourself ragged trying to live two lives at once.”
I turn to look at him. “If I ask Katie to move back to California with me, she’ll be giving up her business and her friends. She’s made a good life for herself here.”
“If you don’t ask her to move to California with you, you’ll be taking away her choice.” He glances at the river. “You don’t get to decide what’s best for her, Gage. She does.”
He’s right. I made a choice for Katie years ago that changed both of our lives forever. I can’t do it again.
***
Hours later, I watch Katie through the window of her bridal store.
She’s wearing a light green dress. Her hair is braided to the side. She’s breathtaking, as she always is.
A smile lights up her face. Pure joy emanates from her when she’s around a bride-to-be. I can’t imagine the inner strength it took for her to get through the days after I called off our engagement.
On top of that, she had to face losing our baby on her own.
She pushed through. She prospered. She came out of it with grace and humility.
She’s the woman that I want my daughter to look up to.
Madison is a good mom, but I want Katie’s influence in Kristin’s life.
I’ll only get that if I tell Katie what’s going on. I have to let her in. I have to give her a voice in this because it’s the right thing to do.
My phone chimes in my pocket.
I tug it out and glance at the screen.
It’s a text message from Madison.
I read it twice, not believing for a damn minute that it’s real.
Madison: Cancel ur flight to L.A. Ur not coming here.
