Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 96046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Huh? I stared up at Casey.
He continued, “You were going to tell me the wedding is off. I’m not giving up hope when it comes to us, or our family, but I think you need to go live what you think is your dream. See if it’s really what you want or if it’s just an illusion.”
I shook my head. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying you should go to California.”
“I can’t just leave Rosie and go to California. I—”
“Rosie will be fine for a week. I’m not saying go indefinitely. But you should go.” He looked at me for a long moment. “Maybe you need to see that the grass isn’t actually greener.”
“I’m not sure I can resolve anything in a week.”
“Then take more time. I just don’t think you’re gonna be able to be away from Rosie for much longer, which is why I said a week.”
“You’re right. I won’t be.” I rubbed my temples. “I can’t believe you’re encouraging me to do this.”
“Were you not going to end things with me today?”
I hesitated. “I was going to tell you the truth about what’s been happening and call off the wedding.”
“Well, then, I don’t have much to lose, do I?” His stare was incendiary. “So, before you have a chance to break up with me, I’m breaking up with you. I’m making you a single woman again, giving you the space to figure out what you really want.”
I narrowed my eyes. “There has to be a catch somewhere.”
“No catch. I’m not playing games. I don’t do that with my daughter’s future. And yeah, maybe I’m also trying to come out of this with my damn pride intact.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I’ve given this relationship my all. No matter what comes out of this, I have no regrets.”
“Nor should you. You’ve been the best partner and father to Rosie.”
Casey grabbed his jacket. “I’m gonna get out of here for a bit. Need some air. Let me know when you’re leaving.”
With that, he was out the door.
CHAPTER 29
* * *
Primrose
It took me a week after my conversation with Casey to make a firm decision. Once I’d committed, though, I had to break the news to my daughter.
On our way home from preschool, I announced, “Mommy has to go away for a little while, okay?” From the rearview mirror, I could see the look of concern on her sweet face.
“Where are you going?”
“California.”
“Why?”
“I used to live there, and I have to go back for a visit. It’s just for a week, and Grandma’s gonna take good care of you while Daddy works.”
“Can I go with you?”
That broke my heart. “No, sweetie. You have preschool, and Mommy has some things she needs to do by herself.”
“Are you coming back?”
That question, along with the fear in her eyes, nearly made me cry. How could she think for one second that I would leave her?
“Of course. I told you, I’m only going for a week.”
I didn’t blame her one bit for being apprehensive. I was by her side every minute of every day except for when she was at school, and this would be my first time away from her. Mom guilt consumed me, even if I knew this trip was absolutely necessary. You’ll be a better person for her someday if you live with no regrets.
“When are you leaving?” she asked.
“In two days.”
“Are you going in an airplane?”
“Yes.”
“Is it scary?”
“Not really.” Nothing compared to my nerves about arriving at Dorian’s door unannounced.
“Can we go in an airplane together sometime? You, me, and Daddy?”
You, me, and Daddy. Every word that came out of her mouth hurt me more than the last. “Maybe. I can talk to Daddy about it.”
“Can we fly to see Mickey Mouse?”
“Maybe someday.”
We were headed to Lucy’s house after school today for a playdate. I pulled into the driveway and gathered our things. When I got my daughter out of the car, I hugged her tightly and murmured, “I’m sorry.”
That afternoon, while Rosie was playing with Lucy’s son, Sebastian, I told Lucy everything I’d been putting off. I had no idea how she was going to react.
Once I unloaded it all, Lucy seemed shocked.
“I don’t even know what to say, Primrose. I usually have an opinion, but you’ve floored me here.”
“I know,” I assured her. “You’re not expected to have the perfect reaction or give me advice at this point. That would be unfair to expect. This situation is really difficult to unpack, and I’m just happy you listened to it all.”
“What are you gonna do with the wedding dress?” She chuckled. “I know that’s the least of your problems, but for some reason it’s the first question I have. Maybe I’m still in shock.”
“The store said they’d buy it back—for a fraction of what I paid.” I rolled my eyes. “That’s better than nothing. They have that rack of mistake dresses they sell for a discount.”