g" he believed existed. He wanted to recreate our first date, a picnic by the lake with a view of the ci

nts. He rambled about our "future," his words a hollow echo

dden, dazzling display over the

e always used grand gestures when he felt me slippi

aimed, pointing excit

ller fireworks spelled out a message in

tened to escape me.

tic spectacle. Brayden, basking in the public display, pulled m

t my dress. A little girl, no older than five, held o

doting partner. "Isn't that

nder. A pang shot through me. This sweet, pure crea

My voice was low, almost a whisper. "Don't ever let anyon

, confused. Brayden shot me a l

Brayden. About the baby. The one you s

ou talking about? We haven't even discussed children seriously yet. You know how bus

. "And you have. With someone else." My eyes dropped to his neck.

licker of

ry sound. "I want to

shifting from panic to a forced professionalism. "It's a business em

s it an emergency that involves a preg

ou talking about, Clare?

'm being observant. And I

be back as soon as I can. Don't wait up." He kissed my

meeting. He was going to Holly. To their future. My mi

e car arrived, I gave the driver a specific instruction