AllFreeNovel
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I became more careful about my relationships after Love was born, wanting to protect her as much as I could from any of my relationships. Ian was the only one of my significant others that Love met, but even that blew up in my face. Now, there is Connor and Jade. Jade has become such an intricate part of Love’s life that I refuse to take the chance that she might lose that.
If things between Connor and me don’t work out, there is so much more at stake than a broken heart. It will destroy me and any chance I have of creating a life for Love and me here.
Tyson’s Creek is a small town; everyone knows everyone here. The last thing I want is for everyone to know how Connor broke my heart. I won’t be able to handle the sad looks every time I’m out in public. It’s better to stop things before they get started, protecting my heart and Love from having to leave the first place we’ve been able to call home since she was a little girl.
“He isn’t wearing his ring anymore,” Love mumbles, her attention still focused out the window.
“What?” My head snaps in her direction.
“Jade told me her dad took his wedding ring off a few weeks ago.”
“Why in the world would he do that?” My grip on the steering wheel tightens.
“Because he likes you, Mom, and he isn’t afraid to leteveryone know that.” Love pulls her ear buds out of her ears. “Sometimes you need to take a chance on love to find what you’ve always been looking for. You can’t spend the rest of your life being afraid of what might happen.”
“You believe Connor is the one for me?” I whisper as I turn into our driveway and shut the car off.
“He may be, but you’ll never know until you give it a shot.”
“Are you sure this isn’t because Jade is your new BFF, and you have always wanted a sibling?”
Love giggles, breaking the tension in the air. “Jade is a bonus. I mean, I used to ask for a baby brother for my birthday and Christmas when I was younger.”
I let out a full belly laugh. “You did! You were so disappointed when you came downstairs Christmas morning and only found your favorite toys under the tree.”
“I stopped asking when I discovered where babies came from. The thought of you doingthatwith anyone is disgusting. I’ll settle for a sister I already love. You and Connor can get to work on the brother after you get together.”
“We haven’t even gone on a date yet, and you’re already planning for a baby brother?”
“What can I say? Jade and I have a good feeling about you two. All you need to do is open your heart to the possibility of love. The universe will do the rest.”
“The universe, huh? I thought you didn’t believe in fate and all that nonsense.”
“I don’t, but you do, and I respect that. Besides, you asked the cards for advice this morning, and they told you that things between you and Connor will work out. All you need to do now is listen to them.”
“Easier said than done,” I mutter to myself as we both hop out of the car and head for the front door. “Whether Connor and I are together or not, you and Jade will still be close. You know that, right?”
“Of course, Jade and I will still be close.” Love grabs both of my hands. “But I know relationships are complicated and messy. I also know that things might not work out between you and Connor, but Jade and I have a good feeling about it.”
“You two have been talking about us?” I smirk as I pull her into my chest for a hug.
“We’re teenagers. Talking about everyone’s love life is in our DNA,” she mumbles into my shoulder before giving me a tight squeeze. “Everyone knows how much you two like each other; it’s written all over your faces. The only thing we ask is that you give him a chance. Please? For me?”
I pull back and stare into my daughter’s eyes. “I make no promises.”
Love throws a fist into the air. “At least you didn’t say no. I call this progress.”
“Come on. I need to figure out what to make for dessert.” I put my key into the lock and turn, unlocking the door. Love pushes past me, heading directly up the stairs.
“Make something out of a box! You need to have enough time to get ready,” she shouts from the top of the stairs.
I look down at my simple white shirt with black yoga pants. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”
“Everything!” she shouts before the sound of the door shutting filters down the stairs.
I check the time, drop my things on the table, and head directly toward the pantry. I won’t have enough time to make something fancy, but I notice the ingredients to make a batch of caramel brownies. Pulling out all the ingredients, I grab everything else I need from around the kitchen and get to baking.
As soon as I place the pan of brownies into the oven, Love comes barreling into the kitchen. “Now it’s time to get ready! Go take a shower and wash your hair. I picked out a few outfits for you to choose from on your bed.”
