Page 86 of Then There Was You

“Again? When did I miss that you’d fallen in love? With who? When? Did Cade know?”

“That’s a lot of questions, Soph.”

She smiles sheepishly. “Sorry. I’m just surprised, that’s all. Why didn’t you tell me?”

I shrug. “I didn’t tell anyone.” I’m not lying. Ididn’ttell anyone. Wyatt figured it out and Nash and Paisley overheard me.

“Who was she? Do I know her?”

I hold her gaze before shaking my head. “No. You don’t know her.”

“What happened?”

“She was someone I could never be with. She had no idea how I felt, but my feelings for her made me realize that love makes you vulnerable.”

“Why didn’t you tell her how you felt?”

I look away from her, uncomfortable that the conversation is going the way it is. “She loved someone else. It was never going to happen.” I shake my head. “I don’t want to hurt again like that, and the last thing I wanted was for Taylor to end up feeling like I did, but that’s exactly what’s happened, and I hate that I’ve hurt her.”

“It sounds like what you had with this woman was completely different to what you could have with Taylor. From what you’ve said, it was always going to be one-sided. Loving someone who loves you back is completely different, Seb. No one can predict the future, but I think seeing what could happen with you two is a risk worth taking.”

“I just don’t know if I can open myself up.”

“Love is scary, but the right person will make you want to take all of those risks, even if you don’t realize it right away. You just have to ask yourself if Taylor is that person.”

Before I can say anything, the front door opens and Cade walks in.

“Please don’t say anything to him,” I whisper. She nods and reaches for my hand, squeezing it gently.

“Hey, you’re awake,” Cade says as he drops his bag in the entryway and walks through the archway into the living room. He leans over the sofa and kisses Sophie. “How are you feeling?”

“Better. You didn’t need to ask Seb to come over. I would have been okay.”

“Humor me. It made me feel better leaving you when you were sick if there was someone here with you.”

“You worry too much.”

He leans down and kisses her again. “It’s my job to worry.”

She rolls her eyes and taps him gently on the chest.

“So, Seb, what do you have planned for the rest of your day off?” Sophie asks as Cade rounds the sofa and sits next to her, resting his hand on her stomach.

“Not much. You know I’m not good with time off from the bar. I’ll probably end up stopping by Eden and checking everything’s okay.”

Cade laughs. “I’m sure everything is fine, Seb.”

I smile. “I know. I should get going, though. Leave you guys to your day.”

I’ve told Sophie I’m going to Eden, but I actually need to pick up her and Cade’s gift for her surprise baby shower tomorrow. Cade knows about the arrangements, but we’ve managed to keep it a secret from Sophie. I can’t wait to see her face when she shows up at Nash and Paisley’s and we’re all waiting for her. This pregnancy’s been tough, and I know she hasn’t been able to relax and look forward to the baby coming when she’s been so sick. I hope this baby shower is the chance for her to do that.

I stand and Sophie starts to get up too. “Don’t get up.” I lean down and kiss her cheek. “Thank you,” I whisper in her ear.

She smiles. “Thanks for coming and sitting with me. It was good to catch up. Don’t be a stranger, okay?”

“I won’t. I’m glad you’re feeling better. I’ll see you soon.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Cade says, following me out of the living room and onto the porch.

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