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Can’t Let You Go*
Chloe
Seattle, Washington
33 weeks & 4 days pregnant
Beautifully wrapped boxes, puffy cream cupcakes, and elegant blue balloons filled Kristin’s penthouse suite. She and Madison had worked with Dillon to get me here without the press noticing, and I was fighting back tears the entire time.
I wasn’t sure if it was from the raging hormones I could no longer control or the hole in my heart, courtesy of Tyler.
There were so many nights when I wanted nothing more than to roll over and lay my head against his chest, listen to him tell me about what “odd” thing he was getting used to in the States, or feel him making love to me until the early hours of the morning.
“It’s okay, Chloe.” Kristin rubbed my back. “We don’t have to do this today. We can leave everything as is and you can come back and open gifts when you’re ready.”
“I’m fine.” I managed. “Hand me the first one.”
She hesitated, but grabbed a small silk one from the window ledge.
I took my time tugging at the matching bow and sighed when the fabric fell away.
A picture frame of Tyler and me walking in Seattle’s rain several weeks ago. A note from his sister.
I am so sorry, Chloe. I wish you and Tyler nothing but the best, and I’d love to apologize in person and congratulate you on a new member of the Carrington family.
“Ugh.” Kristin snatched it away from me. “I thought you got rid of all the gifts from the royal family, Madison!”
“I did!” She called from down the hall. “Maybe one got away!”
“Sorry about that.” Kristin handed me another box. “This one is from my mom.”
I stared at the white and cream box. “Tyler’s family sent me gifts?”
“No. Focus on the one in front of you.”
“Were they all from his sister?”
“That looks like it’s probably a custom blanket.” Kristin ignored me. “Tear off the flaps and see.”
“Tell me, Kristin,” I said. “I just want to know.”
She stared at me blankly, not saying a word.
“It wasn’t just his sister.” Madison stepped into the room. “His brother, father, stepmother and extended family…They sent hundreds of gifts.”
The doorbell sounded before I could ask to see them.
“That’s probably the catering,” Kristin said. “Hold that thought.”
She walked over to the door and opened it, sucking in a breath. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“I need to talk to Chloe.” Tyler’s voice was unmistakable. “Now.”
“She’s busy right now.” She sounded cold. “She doesn’t want to talk to you.”
“You should ask her that first.”
“I don’t have to.”
