Belong (Seven Year Itch #3)(57)

She sniffled through her words. I know I was being difficult, and maybe Veronica was hurting much more than I first imagined. It was obvious she was hormonal, and after taking that into consideration it was clear her heart was breaking just as much as mine, especially when we thought about our little girl, and what this was going to do to her. “I feel alone, Chad. That’s why I don’t want you with her.”

“How do you think I felt when I discovered you were with Shelly? I know you assume I’ve been in contact with Rachel, but you’re wrong. I thought you were going to take Harper away from me.”

“I wouldn’t do that. She adores you, and I know you think I’m evil, but I’d never keep you from your child.”

I reached my arms out, waiting for her to stand and come into them. When she did I kissed the top of her head. “I’m sorry, Veronica. When I asked you to marry me I meant every word. I tried to be a good husband.”

She backed away with a smile on her face. “You were perfect. I just wish you would have met me first, because I would have liked to know what it feels like to have your whole heart.”

In that moment I knew I couldn’t argue with her statement. Maybe she had a point. Veronica didn’t know the difference until she’d seen me with Rachel, and then everything was clear. I hadn’t hidden my feelings, or denied what she was to me. In that instant I felt guilty, like my inability to give her my all had been the cause of our problems.





Chapter 30


I knew when I walked out of the conference room I’d find Veronica waiting for me. She stood in front of me wearing a fancy designer dress from the looks of it. With steady tears running down her reddened cheeks, a distraught grimace covered her beautiful face. I hated being the other woman, though in some ways I felt as if he was mine first. Was that fair? Was I being immature to think Chad was mine all along? “Is this how you planned on keeping him? Did Charles tell you about the estate?”

“No. Charles never said a word to me. He’d never mentioned the house, or even Chad.” Not in any ways she wanted to hear. He’d hinted about his grandson, but never been direct about our relationship. “I know you must think I’m trying to sabotage your life, but…”

“Think it? I know it.” She crossed her arms. “You don’t even see it. You’re too blinded by him being back in your life to see how important his is in California. Do you even know how much Harper means to him? Do you know she can’t sleep unless he tucks her in? Can you comprehend what taking him away from her would do?”

She’d cornered me with the question, which made complete sense for her to wonder. “I never asked him to be with me, Veronica. Contrary to what you may think of me, I begged Chad not to pursue our relationship. I knew how much hurt would be involved if we did.”

“What good did it do? His mind is made up. I can tell it when he speaks to me.”

“I’m sorry you feel like I’m to blame.”

“You slept with my husband. How am I supposed to feel about you?”

Gracie was walking in with Harper and made a quick turn for the exit. She knew this wasn’t anything the little girl needed to hear. “I know he’s going back to California. We said our goodbyes. Chad made his choice, and it wasn’t me.”

Her eyes widened and I could tell she was trying to read me to discover if I was lying or not. “He did? He chose Harper?”

“Yes, now I’d appreciate it if you gave me space to finish what needs to be done so I can go about my life.”

“For what it’s worth, I think you’re lucky. Chad’s a good man; the best I’ve ever known, but I need him right now, more than you. I know he loves you. Sometimes it’s not enough to keep him. Trust me, I know from experience.”

She walked away from me, entering the room where Chad remained.

I took a few seconds to regain composure. She was a strange woman, always talking in some kind of code to get under a person’s skin. Even if I knew her outside of Chad, I’d never be friends with someone like her.




Gracie and Ronald kept me company while I signed all of the necessary paperwork. They didn’t mention my encounter with Veronica, probably because they both knew Chad and I were involved. A part of me wanted to walk out of there with my head held high, because I knew one day I’d have Chad to myself, but another wondered if Veronica would be able to find a way to destroy us, once and for all.





Chapter 31


The letter from my Grandfather was shocking, to say the least. I waited until Veronica and Harper were both in bed to begin reading it from his private office. I had a feeling it was only for my eyes to see.

Even from the first words, addressing me, as his beloved grandson, I knew it was going to tear at my heartstrings.



To Chad, my grandson, my son, my everything:

As I begin to write this all down on paper, I get emotional. My time on this earth is coming to an end, and knowing it makes it all quite difficult to accept. I feel as if I’m just getting started, at least the enjoyment part of life.

It’s important you know that while you’ve been away you’ve never left my mind. I visit your room, and often reminisce of the many times you were running wild throughout the halls of this big house.