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Tabitha blew out a breath. “He should be home any minute.”
“Are you sure you want to do this in person?” He arched his brow.
She knew her friend meant well. He was one of the first friends she met in the cosplay community. It helped that he also lived nearby. “I just needed a witness.”
“I’m always here for you.” His expression softened. “How are you feeling?”
“I started bleeding, so it’s happening.” She pressed against her lower back as she felt the cramps coming again.
“You’re going to get through this. I know it was a tough decision, but it was your choice. You’re going to come out stronger on the other side of this, Tab.”
She wiped at one of the tears forming. “I know.”
They were down the stairs, and in the foyer as the door slammed open.
“What the fuck is going on?” Ryan shouted.
Max didn’t move from her side as Ryan stepped closer.
Tabitha twisted the key off her keyring. The old key chain had frayed and was a little discolored, but theI Love Flyingcould still be read. There was a heart instead of the word love. She placed the key down on top of the papers and slid them all in his direction.
“I packed up my clothes and the few things that belonged to my family. I don’t want anything of yours or anything from you.”
Ryan glanced down at the paper. “What’s going on?” His face was red as he attempted to keep his cool in front of the company.
She breathed through the cramps. “Divorce papers.”
“You can’t be serious?” Ryan scoffed.
“I don’t want the house, the vacation house, the cars, none of it.”
“Why?” He fisted the papers and caused the key to be flung across the room.
“I think we both know why. I can’t do this anymore. I want a divorce.” She kept her voice calm, even though she wanted to scream.
“But I love you.” His face softened, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
“It’s over, Ryan. I’m leaving.”
He moved like he wanted to step in her way, but thought better of it. It helped having a best friend who was twice the size of her soon to be ex.
“You’ll be hearing from my lawyer.” He shouted as they walked out the door.
She’d expect nothing less. Even though she was in pain physically, the weight of the world dropped off her shoulders as she left and didn’t look back. This had been a long time coming.
CHAPTER2
ARCHIE
Ten Years Earlier - Age 22
Archie waitedfor the heavy wooden door to open. She had no idea he was here. Nobody did. His father was the only one in on the secret because he picked him up from the airport. Archie thought he was going to be late; he hadn’t even bothered changing out of his uniform.
This wasn’t something he wanted to miss. It was a big day for her and he’d already missed special moments being away. He was tired of missing them. He was relieved when he found out he was able to come home for the weekend. He’d barely graduated from the academy and had years of service ahead of him before he’d be done. He had to be back in less than thirty-six hours. It was long enough to see her. Hug her. Smell her.
Fuck, he’d missed his best friend.
The door crept open an inch and barely put light in the hallway. It was her father.
