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I don't respond, jealousy overwhelming me at the mention of their engagement. This was a short assignment, and the fear creeps into my mind, what happens on an even longer deployment?
"You are ridiculous. You left! You said you didn't love me, and the second I move on and finally find someone who wants to be with me, here you are trying to reminisce and rethink everything with memories."
"Is that what you're doing, rethinking?"
My accusation riles her up, "No!" She yells, "You don't get to do this."
I smirk, "If you think I will give up this family that is meant to be mine without a fight, you clearly don't know anything about me."
The fire in her eyes dims, "The time to fight was six years ago, hell even three years ago. Not anymore, Jameson. Just let me be happy."
Her words turn my stomach, "Okay."
"Okay?" She questions, raising her brow.
"Yeah, okay, but we still need to talk about Ellie."
The temptation to pull her in and kiss all of her doubts away is strong, but I don't. She's right. She deserves to be happy.
We decide on a month-to-month plan, depending on my work schedule. Neither of us bringing up what might happen if I get deployed again.
"I bought a house, not too far from here. I figured if I was going to have Ellie overnight that it would be best if I had my own place."
Hanna shakes her head, agreeing.
"I also got a truck, fully equipped with a booster seat."
We agree pretty much on everything, even if I can't stop staring at her ring with disgust. She agrees to have paternity established and petition to have my name added to Ellie's birth certificate. I don't know why but just that alone makes me feel relieved.
We walk back inside, Ellie tackling me like a ton of bricks. We all sit around, everyone making small talk about my TDY.
Lexie interrupts the individual conversations, banging her glass with her fork.
"So it seems we have a wedding to plan," a smile stretches across her face, "I just want to offer my congratulations to Eric and Hanna."
Ellie's eyes go wide with surprise, and she jets out of the room, practically stomping.
I look at Hanna, who takes off after her. Had she not told her yet?
Lexie realizes what is going on, offering an apology to Eric. His smile tells me that he isn't the least bit concerned about Ellie stomping away. Either he knows she'll get over it, or maybe he doesn't care. Both scenarios kind of pissing me off. Instead of chasing after them, I decide to let Hanna have her time with Ellie. Not wanting to interfere with something that doesn't concern me.
Even though it does.
I don't want to sit here while everyone congratulates Eric, though, and decide to disappear for a while into Judson's office. Blakely walks inside, quietly shutting the door behind her.
"I'm sorry. Lexie doesn't think before she acts sometimes. She gets excited too easily. This was supposed to be your party."
I sigh, "I told you I never wanted a party."
She smiles, "I know, but I love you. I think you being here with us is worth celebrating."
I force a smile, trying to hide the despair.
"It's okay to be upset," she states, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I'm not upset."
"Liar."
