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"Thought what?"
"That maybe we could try counseling."
"Why?"
"Because we're a family."
"I already told you—"
"I know," he runs a stressed hand through his hair. "I know. We're not getting back together."
"If you need counseling, or you want to go to family counseling because you think it'll help Brianna, then I'll go with you. But we're not the same family we were in California. What we are is different now."
"I'm sorry, Iz," Steve exhales. "I shouldn't have said anything."
"It's OK."
My phone vibrates in my pocket as Steve heads toward his bedroom, putting much-needed space between us. I slip my cell out of my jeans and see that I have a new text message from Brady.
You free right now?
I chew on my lower lip as I respond.No, helping Steve move in. I'll be free later, tho. He's taking Brianna to dinner.
I'm at the Glorious Pig. Meet me here when you're done?
I smile as I send, I'll text you when I'm on my way.
After that, Steve and I quickly work together to get his bed assembled. Brianna drifts in and out of the room, unbothered by the awkward tension permeating the air. I'm trying to make her new normal as pain-free as possible. I know it won't be easy, but it'll be worth it.
By the time we're done, Steve wants to know if I'm free to grab dinner with them.
"I have a few errands to run," I tell him. "But if you want to call me when you get home, I'll swing by and pick Brianna up on the way."
"Yeah, OK," he replies.
I hug Brianna before waving goodbye and heading down the stairs to my car. When I reach it, I turn and glance up at the apartment. This feels so weird. Steve living here is just weird now.
And he still thinks there's hope. I have no idea how he's going to react when he finds out I'm married to Brady now, but I doubt it'll go over smoothly.
We need to tell everyone.Soon.
—
"What's wrong?" Brady asks as I walk into his office at the Glorious Pig.
He stands and rounds his desk. I drop my purse in an empty chair before striding into his open arms.
"Long day," I answer as my hands slide up his back and I lay my head on his shoulder. "I missed you."
"I missed you, too," he tightens his hold on me. "How is Steve?"
"Steve is...Steve."
Brady's laugh is deep and gruff. "Steve is a good guy even if he gets on your nerves."
I doubt he'd be saying that if he knew Steve's still trying to work things out between us.
"We need to tell everyone after Christmas," I say.
