Bereft (Seven Year Itch #2)(56)

“I never said I was innocent.”

I cried into my hands, silently pleading with God to strike me with lightning and end the pain. I couldn’t handle it any longer. I wanted it to disappear, no matter how I needed to make it happen. “We can’t keep doing this. Trying isn’t getting us anywhere. Grayson, you’ll always have a piece of my heart, but it’s obvious we can’t make it work. Too much has happened. We’ve both made mistakes, and now we have to suffer the repercussions. Just face it, our marriage was over weeks ago, and there’s nothing we can do to get it back.”

Then it happened. We stood out on the porch holding each other as we broke down. This was our goodbye – the end of something we thought could last forever.





Chapter 32


Grayson


My plan had backfired. We left the cabin Saturday morning, after staying up all night in separate rooms. I should have known it would end this way, but I couldn’t have imagined how unbearable it would feel.

Rachel had moved on. She’d probably be happy with her new beau. He seemed like a nice guy, and they obviously shared similar interests.

As for me, I’d spend the rest of my days alone. There would never be another woman who could give me what she could. I’d never love someone like I love her. No matter how much time would pass, I knew she was it for me.

After I dropped her off at her car, I drove straight to the house. Surprisingly, I pulled into my driveway to find my daughter there. Normally I would have frowned upon visitors after such a shitty night, but I welcomed her friendly smile when I opened the door. “What are you doing home, Dad? I thought you said you rented the place until Sunday.”

I frowned. “It didn’t work out the way I thought it would.”

“What do you mean?” I could tell she was sad by my news. Stephanie loved our family, so the idea of it breaking up permanently was terrible news.

“Your mom and I can’t get past what’s been done. We both made mistakes, and sometimes they’re too involved to forgive.”

“What do you mean, both? What did Mom do?”

I felt worse. Obviously Rachel hadn’t told Stephanie about her little boy toy. “Sweetie, your mom has been seeing someone. She’s moved on.” I had to clench my jaw to keep my composure. “Our marriage is over, and there’s nothing any of us can do. We made the choice together. I want you to know that. It wasn’t easy, but we did it together. It’s best for all of us if we get past it and move forward with our lives. No more living without answers.”

“How do you know she’s with someone else? She never said a thing to me.”

“Honestly, I don’t know if it’s serious. All I do know is that we couldn’t connect, not the way we should have been able to.”

Stephanie hugged me. I was surprised she was giving me support, considering how angry she’d been over my affair. “I’m sorry, Daddy. I wish there was something I could do.”

“Are you staying the night? I could use some company.”

She smiled. “I am. I was just about to rent some movies. Are you up for a night of horror flicks?”

“As long as there isn’t romance, I’m good.”

Stephanie brought up Kyla before I was able to. “I spoke to Kyla the other day. She finally came clean about everything. I know she provoked you. I know she lied to Mom about the affair.” She looked down at her hands. “You hurt me when I found out the truth, but I’m actually glad I know. She’s not a friend to me. She used me, and I’ll blame her for destroying our family.”

“It’s my fault, Steph. You know it is.”

She nodded. “Maybe in some ways. Although, I can tell you’ve been torn apart over your breakup with Mom. Who knows. Maybe she’ll come back to you. Maybe it’s not over.”

I cupped her chin and tried to smile. “I wish that were the truth, sweetie. I really do. Can you ever forgive me for what I did? Is it too soon?”

She shrugged. “You’re my only father. I love you unconditionally. You taught me to forgive. I think it’s time we all got a fresh start, don’t you?”

I held her close, feeling like as long as I had her in my life I’d be okay. Stephanie would make sure I was never alone. “What would I do without you?”

“I don’t know, probably starve, or die of malnutrition,” she teased.

We played on each other’s words until the movie started. I didn’t pay any attention to what was going on. All I could think about was Rachel. I wanted to know she was okay, and that she hadn’t run right into her lover’s arms. I knew we were over, but I still wondered if she regretted the decision. Was Stephanie right? Was there a chance she’d come back to me someday?

I think I’d come to the conclusion that I’d spend every single day appreciating what I had left in my life. Who knows, maybe one day we could be friends again. That’s what I hoped for, because giving up was never going to sit well with my heart.





Chapter 33


Rachel


I’d left Chad three messages with no response. Since I wasn’t in any condition to talk about the previous night, I headed to my apartment instead of his, where I spent the entire afternoon sulking in my own misery. For the life of me, I never expected to hurt so much when it came to saying goodbye to Grayson.