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“What did they do?”
“There are two cots set up for you and Jaris.”
“Seriously?” Chance chuckled. “I’m surprised. I thought everyone in town knew our business. It is the Destiny way. I guess I was wrong. Amber and Belle aren’t quite sure what our situation is after all.”
Kaylyn stopped laughing. “And who is sure of our situation? Not me, and definitely not you.”
Damn it, I sure put my foot in my mouth on that one.
He heard her sit down on the bed. “Everything is going to hell because of me.”
“Honey, that’s not true.” He moved onto the bed, putting his arms around her and pulling her in close. “I agreed to try. Remember? We don’t need to dive back into the discussion about you, Jaris, and me right now. You’re exhausted. You just need some sleep. We all do.”
“Sleep isn’t going to change one damn thing, Chance. And you’re wrong. I am to blame for screwing things up between us and for so much more, too. I’ve made mistakes, over and over, one after another. When will I learn? I should’ve set up my four dogs training in a better place, closer to the ranch house. If I had then Potter wouldn’t have shot me, and Rex, King, Blue, and Rosie would be in their kennels right now.”
Like him, she was realizing the possibility that their dogs weren’t going to be found.
She leaned her head into his shoulder. “Lyle told me about Bayles
s kicking his dogs.”
“Sweetheart, I only held that news from you because I wanted you to stay focused on getting better.”
“I know. You’re always so protective of me. I love you for it.” She sighed. “Having to deal with Bayless is also my fault. We wouldn’t need the creep’s help if I hadn’t screwed up. Jacob and Josh are missing because they were looking for my dogs.” Her voice and body were shaking, but she continued on. “Worst of all, I’ve screwed up our relationship. How long did you and I suffer in silence about our misunderstanding about the kiss under the mistletoe? Years. What happened when you finally told me how you really felt? I told you that I was in love with Jaris. I fucked up everything. I know you are willing to try…for me. With all my heart I want both you and Jaris. I’m afraid, Chance. But what if you’re right? What if it won’t work out? What if you can’t…can’t…God, I will die if I lose you again.”
She began sobbing in his arms, leaning her head into his chest.
Her suffering was killing him.
I guess now is the time to figure things out. She needs me to.
He brought his fingers up to her face and felt her tears. Her overwhelming fear and pain sliced into him like a hot knife. Dylan’s earlier words of advice filled his mind.
“You’re being selfish, Chance. Kaylyn is from Destiny. She’s not the one with the issue. You are. Your ego is getting in the way.”
Dylan was right. He was being selfish.
“Kaylyn wants you and she also wants Jaris. That’s what will make her life complete. That’s the kind of family she dreamed of when she was young.”
The former Navy SEAL had spoken the truth and now he was able to see it.
Jaris had been right, too. “Blindness comes in all kinds of shades.”
Kaylyn had been courageous, confessing her love of Jaris.
What did I do when she opened up her heart? I pushed her away, and I nearly lost her again.
Suddenly, everything seemed clear to him. Jaris was his brother. Kaylyn was the woman of their dreams. We are a family.
“Shhh, sweetheart. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”
Her tears seemed to subside. “You’re really not going anywhere?”
“No.” He heard the familiar footsteps of Jaris, his best friend, his brother, and the man he would share Kaylyn with for the rest of his life.
“Down, Sugar.” Jaris’s tone was serious. “What’s going on, Chance? Why has Kaylyn been crying?”
“Because I’ve been so blind, Jaris. I’ve been a fool. No more. I see clearly now. She’s all I want. Her happiness is what matters to me, and I know she needs us both. Hell, man. I need you. You’re my brother.”
