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I need to accept that. I’ll go back to Gamble with her and the boys, then slowly extricate myself from their lives so that when I leave for good, it won’t be so confusing for the kids. Just the thought of it breaks my heart. I was so sure we were on our way to becoming a family. Now I’m stuck cleaning up a mess that never felt like a mess—until now.
Stopping at my front gates, my heart pounds as I enter the code and I tell myself to check my feelings at the door because the only thing that matters is making the rest of the boys’ trip a wonderful one. Who knows when they’ll ever be able to take another one?
* * *
The sun is out in full force for the big game. Somehow, Moira and I pretend everything’s fine while we go through the routine of getting everyone ready and out the door. During the drive over to Elysian Park, where Dodger Stadium is located, the atmosphere in my SUV is filled with boy excitement—mine included. Moira and I avoid all eye contact during the thirty-minute trip.
The Dodgers set aside a section of premium seats behind home plate for Wyatt’s team and chaperones. Before the game starts, they even make a big announcement about the Sluggers being their special guests today.
Wyatt is in the front row with the rest of his team, while Moira and I are sitting a couple of rows back with the twins, who we’ve strategically placed between us. The first three innings pass quickly, with me trying to explain little things about the game, but Moira’s boys know as much as I do, so that ends pretty quickly.
I should be enjoying this afternoon instead of counting the innings until it’s over. I console myself that every minute that passes means I’m one step closer to putting an end to the torture of being with Moira and the boys.
By the time the fifth inning ends, the twins are a little restless, so I offer to take them up to the concession stands for a treat. Moira hurries to stand up. “I’ll come, too.”
If I had to guess, I’d say it’s because she’s coming to the same realization as me—that either she’s going to have to stop relying on me to help, or she doesn’t want the kids to get any closer to me. Both are likely.
The four of us venture up the stairs, then make our way along the various stands while the boys try to decide between ice cream cones and popcorn. Ash picks ice cream and Colton, popcorn. “Should we divide and conquer?” I ask Moira, wanting to get back to the game.
“Sure,” she says, digging around in her purse. “But I’m buying. You’ve treated enough.”
She hands me a ten, and I take it, not wanting to argue.
Colton and I get through our line much faster than Ash and Moira, so we wait for them while I watch the game on one of the televisions.
“Ethan? Is that you?” a woman asks.
I turn to see Bridgette Hill in a fitted tank top that’s practically bursting at the seams. Short shorts and oversized sunglasses finish the look. Bridgette got her start modeling by landing herself on the cover ofSports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. After several years gracing more covers than a person could count, she now has her own clothing line. She grins at me. “I thought it was you! I’m sitting a few rows back, and the entire game, I’ve been hoping you’d turn around so I could be sure.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Moira staring at Bridgette. She looks none-too-pleased. The sight of her annoyance brings out something nasty in me, and I find myself giving Bridgette a kiss on the cheek—which is not what I’d normally do in this situation. “Bridgette, you look wonderful. It’s been way too long.”
She places her hand on my forearm and rubs it like a cat. “Yes, it has been. You look pretty terrific yourself, more relaxed or something.”
“I’ve been taking some time off to enjoy the good life up in Alaska. I’ve been there for a couple of months.”
“Good for you. You work way too hard.” Bridgette glances down at Colton, who is shoveling popcorn in his mouth while he stares back and forth between us. “Who’s this?”
Placing a hand on Colton’s shoulder, I answer, “This is Colton Bishop, soon-to-be nephew of Harper’s.”
Her hand snaps back. “So the rumors are true then? Harper’s getting remarried.”
“Yup, to a hell of a good guy this time around,” I tell her.
“I’m so glad. She’s such a sweetheart. She deserves happiness.” Then to Colton, she says, “You’re going to love having Harper as an auntie. She’s the best.”
“Yup, she really is,” Colton mumbles, allowing some bits of popcorn to fly out of his mouth.
“Is Harper here, too?” Bridgette asks.
“No, I’m here with Colton’s family for a few days. His big brother’s baseball team won a trip to see the game today. They’ve been staying at my place.” I notice Moira and Ash are on their way to join our small circle, so I add, “Here’s more of the gang now.” When they arrive, I say, “Moira, Ash, this is my old friend, Bridgette Hill.”
Bridgette playfully smacks me on the arm. “Be careful who you’re calling old.” Then she extends her hand to Moira. “Nice to meet you, Moira. I hear Harper’s joining your family.”
Moira offers her a polite smile. “She’s marrying my big brother. We couldn’t be happier.”Yeah, she doesn’t seem very happy right now.
“IloveHarper,” Bridgette gushes before turning her gaze back to me. “I’ve actually been hoping I’d run into you around town.”
“You have some big contract you need me to look at?” I ask. I’ve done some legal work for Bridgette in the past.
