A Broken Forever(49)

Me: Hey Baby, I miss you! I just got off work and I'm going to go see my brother for a bit before going home.

Immediately I felt better, this was the way it should feel to be a good fiancée. I liked knowing Richard wouldn't have to spend another night worrying about where I might be. Before I pulled out of my parking spot I took a deep breath and checked my inbox. There were a few unread but not a single one from Stefan, maybe this really was over after all. While I was staring at my messages a new one came in from Richard.

RM: Thanks for letting me know, Darling. I miss you too, I'll try to call you when I get a break. Love you!

With a smile I put my phone away and drove to Jayden and Cara's house. When I knocked on the door Jayden answered a minute later, looking like he was about to punch someone. The look faded when he saw me smiling.

"Hey Grey, what are you doing here?

"What was that look about?" I asked with a laugh.

He shrugged. "Its 8:00 at night and someone's knocking on my door. Most of the time whoever's here at this time isn't welcome."

"I hope I'm the exception!" I said hopefully, as if he would ever be able to turn me away.

"Always! Now what's going on; is everything okay?"

My head bobbed with a smile. "I did it."

He raised an eyebrow. "You … ?"

"I said goodbye."

His jaw dropped, "You did?" I nodded again with extra enthusiasm, now that I could feel my brother's pride for me. "Well, that's a horse of a different color, come on in!"

I couldn't help but laugh as he quoted our favorite childhood movie, Wizard of Oz. As soon as I stepped over the threshold he pulled me in for a squeeze that rivaled Kacie's. A sigh of relief sounded in my ear, "I know that couldn't have been easy, Grey, but I am so proud of you."

I didn't respond; I just let the silence of the moment do the talking.

"Well come on in! We've already finished dinner but Cara always makes enough for a damn dinner party so there is plenty leftover."

"I'd love whatever she made-I'm starving! But first, I want to see my niece!"

Jayden pointed to their family room; Cara was sitting on the floor with her legs spread out, Lily lying on the carpet in-between. Lily was only two months old but had enough toys to last her until she was five. To say this little girl was already daddy's princess was a complete understatement.



       
         
       
        

"Grey!" Cara exclaimed. "I didn't know you were coming over tonight!"

Cara and my brother met seven years ago at the wedding receptionist for me and Stefan. She was working as the bartender and my brother spent more time talking to her than he did anything else. At one point I had to write his number down on a napkin and give it to her, just so I could steal my brother back for a dance. The two of them hadn't always had the easiest time, splitting up constantly but it was never for long. I knew they would find their way back to each other-they just needed to wait for the fate to bring them back together.

The last time they broke up it lasted for less than a day. Jayden had been tired of wasting time and went out and got a wedding ring. While Cara had taken a test and found out that same day she was pregnant. I was happy to officially have Cara as my sister-in-law; she was a great person with a beautiful soul. She was the perfect match for my brother in every way.

I sat next to her giving her a one-armed hug. "It wasn't planned, but Richard's at the hospital and I haven't seen my sweet Lily for a while."

"She is all yours." Cara said with a smile.

No one had to tell me twice, Cara moved out of the way as I leaned my face over Lily's. I was instantly greeted with a big beautiful toothless smile. Lily had rosy checks, Cara's big emerald eyes and Jayden's goofy personality. When I found out Cara was pregnant an insane feeling of jealousy took over. I got mad that my brother was going to have a new little baby to love and care for-when mine was taken away.

Jayden asked me how I felt about it at one point but after I gave my most convincing, I'm fine, he never asked again. The only other person I had felt I could talk to about my deepest feelings of sorrow had been Amy. During that period of time our appointments were doubled up as I struggled to gain acceptance. Eventually, I was able to put aside my jealous emotions and be truly happy for them.

Lily was an incredibly sweet baby and I loved her with all my heart. There were even times when I saw similar qualities that were in my Allie and it became a beautiful reminder of my own precious girl.

"How have you been?" I asked Cara, as I cradled Lily in my arms. My hand smoothed down the little hairs at the top of her hair.