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Once we were married, Olivia was born not too much time later. We were a happy little family. We had three years of perfect bliss, and then she was gone. It felt like some kind of divine punishment. I hadn’t been a bad person, but I wasn’t necessarily good before I met Kylie. She gave me purpose outside of building up my business, something I ended doing more out of obligation more than anything. Kylie showed me I could follow my own path.
Now that she was gone, did that path include Scarlett? When Kylie and I were together, I was actually under the impression that Scarlett didn’t like me. Kylie would always tell me that wasn’t true, but she never really spoke to me. The birth of Olivia seemed to create a bridge between us, but we were never close back then.
She really stepped up when Kylie died. I was surprised when she offered to move in and help out. Olivia loved her. It was as good as things could be with my wife dead, but then I felt myself growing feelings, and that’s what scared me. It was much too soon to move on after Kylie—and another year later still felt too soon.
But Scarlett did have some points. I allowed myself to shut down from the world, and it was affecting Olivia. It was a miracle she was still a little ball of light, full of so much energy. Maybe I was the problem. I was the one keeping Olivia cooped up in that house.
Scarlett’s offer to have my baby surprised me, but that didn’t mean it was a bad idea. Olivia would be a lot less lonely with someone else closer to her age. Getting Scarlett pregnant could work. The thing was I didn’t want her hanging around. Once Scarlett had the baby, she’d have to leave. I wouldn’t make her go back to her dad, but she couldn’t stay with us. It felt like a good idea.
The only thing that worried me was whether or not Scarlett would agree to it. She seemed determined. It could have been because she had been gone for so long. I wouldn’t mind the occasional visit. She would be doing Olivia and me an enormous favor, but I’d make sure strict rules were established. It was the best outcome for us all.
Chapter Seven
Scarlett
Noah left to go on a hike. He really needed space. It was the second time he left me alone in the house. I knew he was going through his own thing, and I had to give him time to come around, but I was still feeling sad.
The note he left asked me to pick up Olivia. It would be nice to spend some time with her. My spirits were always lifted after playing with my niece. Even if Noah never wanted to be with me again, as long as I had Olivia in my life, I could be happy.
I went through a little routine, getting myself cleaned up and fed before jumping in my car. The drive over to Hope and Darren’s was a relaxing one. I let myself empty my mind. Fretting over Noah right now wasn’t going to do anything. He was on his hike, and while he was out there figuring himself out, I got to see my niece.
I pulled into Hope and Darren’s driveway. I rang the doorbell, and Hope answered.
“Scarlett! Oh, my God!” She wrapped her arms around me and brought me into a tight hug. “Darren told me you were back, and I meant to call.”
“No, no. Don’t worry about it. We were bound to see one another.” We broke apart, and Hope motioned for me to follow her inside.
“I was so sad when you left. It’s always fun having you around. You know Bryant still talks about your pizza. I tried making it, but he said it wasn’t the same.”
“Oh no, did he?”
“I’m telling you, Scarlett. These kids worship the ground you walk on.” Hope and I sat down on the couch. “How has it been, being back?”
“It’s been great. I really missed Olivia, so I’m happy to spend some time with her.”
“Is she the only one you’re happy to see?” Hope asked suggestively.
“I mean, I don’t know.” I got all embarrassed, covering my face with my hands.
When I started living with Noah and Olivia, Hope was someone I ended up confiding in a lot. She was a little older than me, but we just connected. We even kept in contact a little after I left.
“How is Noah doing?”
“The usual, you know. He asked me to leave the first night, but I said no.”
“Look at you, girl! Do you still wanna…?”
I felt myself blushing. “I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’m in love with him. He’s still resistant to me even being there, though. We did… um, things happened last night.”
