Why did he have to say these things to me? This would be a bad conversation to have at any time, but now, after what just happened with Chase, it's dangerous. If I didn't put an end to this conversation now, I'd be running into Brandon's arms in just a couple minutes. I can't give in to the white knight syndrome, not that a relationship with him would ever be that. I love Brandon. But I hurt him to be with Chase, and now Chase hurt me. I can't just go back to Brandon because Chase dismissed me. I'd be like a ping pong ball, bouncing back and forth to whoever is most convenient at that time.
“I love you too. I hope to someday marry someone as amazing as you. You are going to make someone extremely happy Brandon, and I'm sure I'll hate her because she got you.” I smiled at him softly, “My reason for moving to San Diego was to get away from my life and to find out who I am, and I haven't even given myself the chance to do that. I met you just weeks after moving here and fell in love with you instantly, I was afraid my feelings for you were so strong only because you were my first kiss, first boyfriend, and first love...but we both know that's not it. What we had, was something rare. I screwed that up and almost immediately went into a relationship with Chase. I need to find out who I am outside of a relationship, before I can ever attempt another one. And you need to find someone who will treat you better than I did. You need to move on Brandon.”
I got out of the booth and pulled my purse straps onto my shoulder. Brandon stood too and hesitantly brought me in for a long embrace. I tried to memorize the feel of his warm arms around me, his muscled chest moving against my head with every breath he took.
“In order to start this, I need to stop running from everything and everyone. Can you please take me home? I need to talk with Mom and Dad, and confront Chase. If he's even there.”
Brandon's smile was sad when he let me go and led me out of the restaurant. Other than a quick call to Konrad to see if he could catch a ride with him after he dropped me off, the ride to Mom's was silent. It wasn't completely uncomfortable, we were both just too lost in our own thoughts to even try to have a conversation. After pulling into the drive and getting out of the car, Brandon scrounged around the back until he found my phone and handed it back to me. We were still silent for the few moments we stood there glaring at Chase's truck before heading towards the front door.
“Will you promise me something Harper?”
“That really depends on what it is.” I answered honestly.
His sexy smirk was back for a second before his face grew serious, “If you guys move past this, please don't go back to him just because he's the father.”
I looked deep into his green eyes and hoped he saw the truth in my response, “I promise.”
“I'll wait out here for Konrad, I don't think it would be a good idea for me to see Chase right now.”
“Thank you for everything Brandon, I'll see you later.” I hugged him and let him cup my face for a few moments before walking in the door.
“Harper?!” Bree's concerned voice reached me before I saw her round the corner and crush herself to me, being careful not to touch my stomach, “I've been so worried about you.”
“Wasn't Brandon talking to you?”
“Yes, but that's not the same.” She pulled away and I noticed her tear streaked face.
“I'm sorry Bree, I really just needed time to myself for a while.”
“I understand.”
Konrad came up behind her and kissed her on the cheek, then pulled me into a soft hug and kissed the top of my head. “Is he outside?” I nodded, “I'll take him back then, I'm sorry this is happening Kid.”
I lightly laughed, “You know, since I'm having a baby, I'm not sure you can keep calling me Kid. Besides you're only two months older than me.”
Bree and Konrad both rolled their eyes at my failed attempt to lighten the mood. They kissed quickly and she grabbed my hands as he walked out the door. “You ready, or do you need more time? He won't bother you if you do.”
“No, I need to do this.”
We walked into the living room, and I almost chickened out when I saw Chase sitting on the couch. He lifted his head when he heard us come in and started to stand but Robert held him down. His eyes were puffy and red, and his cheeks were still wet. Robert tried to smile warmly at me, but it came out more of a grimace, and Claire looked like a wreck. She wrapped her arms around me and began crying. It took me a minute, but after recounting Bree's worry that I wouldn't come back, I realized why everyone else was upset too. Mom and Dad thought I would leave and take their grandchild with me.
I squeezed her waist and whispered so only she could hear me, “I won't take your grandson away from you Mom, promise.”