AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It sounded like something permanent.
“They wanted to have kids, but when she got pregnant, he started pulling away. When she had Hunter and came home from the hospital, he said he couldn’t handle it. He wasn’t ready to be a dad.”
“It’s a little too late then.” I couldn’t imagine walking away from my child.
She laughed without humor. “Tell me about it. Especially when they went through fertility treatments to have him.”
“You’re kidding.”
“I wish I were. That’s what made his reaction so shocking. She wasn’t expecting it.”
“She never planned on being a single parent, but then, who does?”
“Abby has my parents and me helping out. It’s something, but not the same as Hunter’s father being there. He comes around from time to time, but he has nothing to do with the day-to-day stuff. He gave her sole custody when he left.”
“That’s a blessing, at least. She doesn’t have to deal with him if she doesn’t want to.”
“He defers to her when he wants to spend time with Hunter. He’s very respectful. I think he’s afraid she’s going to ask him to do more, and he’s not capable of that.”
I was beginning to get a picture of Brooke. She was an amazing sister, supportive aunt, and she’d do anything for her family. She had to have a negative impression of men after seeing her sister left with a newborn.
“Not all guys are like that.” I wasn’t sure why I felt the need to remind her of that. It wasn’t like she was interested in pursuing anything with me.
Brooke’s gaze was on the team throwing balls back and forth to warm up.
“Is Abby dating anyone?” I was curious about Brooke’s family life, but I really wanted to know more about Brooke and why she pushed me away so hard when our chemistry was undeniable.
Brooke let out a breath. “She’s not really feeling that. She’s busy with her business and Hunter. Honestly, I think she’s afraid to let anyone in.”
“That’s understandable.” I wondered if that was why Brooke was so gun shy about us.
“Both of us are a little jaded.” Then her lips pressed together in a tight line like she’d revealed more than she should have.
Hunter ran up to us and looked at Brooke as he asked, “Where are my batting gloves?”
“They’re not in your bag?” She looked grateful to have the reprieve.
He shook his head.
“We might have left them in the car.”
I watched as they trekked down the hill to the parking lot. A few minutes later, Brooke returned to her seat next to me while Hunter took off toward the diamond, a pair of gloves flapping in his hand.
Brooke shook her head as she sat down. “I don’t know how Abby remembers everything.”
Silence fell between us as the team continued with the practice.
If Maria were alive, she’d be the one attending practice. I’d be working. I felt incredibly guilty to be having those thoughts. It took her death for me to change my job, to make a life where I could be more present in Cammie’s life.
“Is everything okay?”
“I’m just grateful to be here. Normally, I’d be working long hours, and Cammie’s mother would have taken her to activities. I might have made it to the game.” I felt worse admitting that. I didn’t realize how important it was to Cammie to be at everything or how much I’d enjoy it.
Brooke smiled at me. “Hunter’s not mine, but I enjoy being here as much as possible, too.”
“He is yours. He’s your nephew, and I’m sure he’s incredibly grateful to have you in his life.” I meant every word.
She smiled softly. “Thank you. That means a lot.”
