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“I understand. I’m not proud of it. But like everything else I’ve done that I’m not proud of, I have to deal with the consequences.”
I let out a soft exhale. Ihateseeing him hurt. Especially knowing how hard he’s worked.
“Brade, I know these last couple of months have been absolute shit, but don’t let them put out that fire inside you. If you are a dad again, we’ll help you figure it out. And that kid will be lucky to have a dad who has lived and learned. I—I’m proud of you. The person I see in front of me now is the one I always knew you could be. The one underneath all the bullshit.”
His lips lift into a small smile.
“You’ve always been someone filled with light and joy. You just have to be okay letting it out. Feel bummed, feel angry, but try to let it go after that. You deserve happiness, Brade.”
“Sometimes I wonder if the universe agrees.”
He leans back in the chair, but I keep hold of his hand.
“Sometimes this is how it goes. It will come around though, I believe that.”
“Thanks, Mai. And thank you for understanding.”
I give a little shrug. “Guess I learned some things in therapy, too.”
He chuckles at that. “And we made it through a tough conversation without Dr. Jim. Go us.” He holds his hand up for a high five and I happily smack it. Finally, I see a genuine smile.
That’s the boy I know and love.
“All right, if we’re done with the dramatic conversation, I’ll go get Harper, okay?”
He nods. “Sounds good.”
“Bear with me. It’ll probably take her three hours to walk down the stairs because she has to do itallherself.”
He chuckles at that. “Tell her I have her bunny. That’ll get her moving.”
I stifle a laugh. “Brilliant.”
I head back up the stairs and walk inside.
“Did you kiss him?” Vince asks, strolling over to me.
“Yep. Just a quick make out sesh.”
He gives me a little head shake, then leans in and kisses me. “I’m going to get you for that.”
“Don’t make threats if you don’t intend to keep them.”
He growls in response, and my panties melt clean off my body.
What was I doing?
Oh yeah. My child.
“Harper,” Vince calls.
She toddles into the room wearing an adult-sized baseball cap and sunglasses.
“Wow, ma’am. You look very cool. Ready to go see Daddy and Bunny?”
“Go!” She hustles to the door. Braden had the right idea.
“Seriously, though. Everything okay with you two?” Vince asks.
“Yeah. We’re good.” I just hope he will be too.
