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"I'm scared, Hayden... you're my best friend and I think we've got a really great thing going. What happens if it all goes to shit again? I don't want to lose this..." Elyse to Hayden

Hayden sighed deeply, letting his hands swallow his face, holding it there for a moment before he ran his fingers through his hair. How did they get into this mess? Of course, he knew, but he just…he didn’t understand why it had happened. In the decade since their split, they never lost control around each other and the one time…the one fucking time they did, they found themselves expecting their second child. It had to be a joke.

The emotions he felt about the entire situation were so complex, he wasn’t sure he could even describe them. Surely, Elise had to feel similarly, because she was voicing similar thoughts that were in his head, but he wasn’t sure. She definitely seemed a bit more freaked out than he was. Which, in hindsight, could totally just be from being pregnant again regardless of the circumstances at play, but still, he wasn’t sure what he should or shouldn’t say to her. If the whole truth was even appropriate. She deserved it, and he would give to her, but he definitely worried about making things even worse. They were already in a pretty awkward situation for their relationship.

“I’m afraid, too.” He admitted after a moment. “I keep on thinking about what Enya is going to think about everything if we go through with this and how that could affect our relationship with her. It’s not just you I can lose again this time around. It’s fucking terrifying. There isn’t anything in the world worth either of you, you know?”

Hayden chewed on the inside of his lip. He wasn’t sure how he wanted to say what else he thought. “But now that I know they exist, I want them.” He mused, his voice low, his head topping in the direction of his ex wife’s abdomen. “I want to make this work more than I’ve wanted something in so long. And I think considering everything else we’ve made it though, we can do this. It might be a little weird at first, and some things will probably change again, but that shouldn’t ruin things…if anything, I think we might just end up being better friends than ever before, no?”

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“What’s this?” Mara to Max

Max felt like a fucking fool. Logically speaking, he knew he should’ve just handed the damn jersey and made a cute a moment out of it. Instead, he was a huge coward. He had placed the garment on her bed and tried to make a clean exit, as if she wouldn’t immediately notice the damn thing. The moment he wasn’t beside her, he was going to hit himself since no one else would.

Judging by Mara’s grin, she was just trying to goad a reaction from him. Of course, she knew what it was, and beyond that? She definitely knew why he was giving it to her. Max didn’t date casually and the last woman he had been serious about…well, compared to Mara? That woman didn’t exist. She was the first, and only, woman he cared to have a future with.

“I figured you’d want something to wear next Thursday.” Max mused, his voice just a decibel lower than normal. He wondered if she’d be able to pick up on his nerves. She had agreed to watch him the next game he played, and he wanted to make it clear to anyone laying attention that she was his.

“No; let me rephrase that.” Max frowned, shaking his head. He needed her to know how intentional his actions had been. “I want you to wear this next Thursday. It’s an exclusive jersey with my name that we don’t even sell. The only other person who has one is me.” And he didn’t even care for it to begin with, but it would surely be somewhat special to him now that Mara had the matching pair. “You’re the only person I’d want to have this, if you don’t mind wearing it…”

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“I think your mom just called me Camden…” Cameron to Wells (she would think it’s funny, she’s not really upset)

Despite Cameron quite literally laughing, Wells couldn’t help but frown. It was nice that she wasn’t bothered by his mom or anything, but, unfortunately, he was. In fact, he was extremely bothered. Maybe he was a little more annoyed than the situation actually called for, but he didn’t care. Surely his girlfriend was going to notice his sour mood.

It wouldn’t be such a big deal if he had just introduced Cameron to her. Well, okay, he did; this was their first time meeting in person, but this definitely wasn’t the first time his mom had heard her name. He couldn’t shut up about her. It was already rare that he got to talk to his parents for more than a hot second uninterrupted when they were away, so when he did? He didn’t take that time lightly. The past month was nothing but Cameron this and Cameron that - she was his everything. Anyone who cared for him with eyes could see that…

…And it was starting to click that perhaps his parents just didn’t care. Of course, he always had that suspicious lurking in his mind, but he never paid it too much thought. No one actually wanted to believe their parents couldn’t give two flying fucks about them. Sadly, though, with each passing day, Wells was made more aware of how his parents’ decision to have him was way more selfish than selfless. Neither of them were equipped to raise him. No matter how hard they tried, neither of them were prepared to care for a life beyond their own.

“I’ve been telling her about you since I met you…I don’t get to talk to her often, but the past few conversations were centered around you.” He wanted to smile, but it was physically impossible for him at the moment. This should’ve been a sweeter moment, but of course, his past was ruining things. “She has only heard the name Cameron so many times…and she knows you’re special. Or she should.” He sighed. “Just pay attention to me moving forward and nothing de should even matter.”

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"What can I do to help you, sweetie?" Carrie to Xavier

“I don’t know what I’m doing!” Xavier cried helplessly, practically flinging himself back into his closet. He didn’t know what he was looking for, he didn’t know if he even had something appropriate, but he was geeking! He needed to find an outfit before he completely lost it! How could he reasonably take out Elin if he couldn’t even put together a respectable ensemble for their date?

“I don’t know wha to wear, if I should get her flowers or, like, something else, or nothing at all…is that weird? Because I want her to see that I’m trying, but I don’t want to freak her out either…would this freak her out?“ He couldn’t care about his rambling. His mother had always been his safe place and if there was one person he always could be his completely natural self with? It was his mom. She loved him so fiercely that he was grateful, but it also made him wonder if she was making up for what he might never have outside of her.

Xavier didn’t mean to be so depressing. He knew it was a literal part of his being - always sensing dread - but the last thing he ever wanted was for his mood to rub off on others. When he could figure out asking his mom how she managed him in a way that didn’t break his heart, he would, and with that knowledge he would find a way to be a better potential boyfriend to Elin. He sincerely doubted she would even be interested in him in that capacity, but on the off chance she did…he wanted to be the best possible version of himself for her. He had no idea what girls found endearing in the slightest and he was starting to wish he had listened to some of his uncles on his dad’s side.

“I really, really like her. And she looks at me like…like she might actually like me that way, too.“ Xavier blushed. He’d never felt a crush reciprocated, so he didn’t have anything to compare these feelings to, but he just knew they were different. This was more than he could process without help. “So please, mom, tell me how I can prove myself to her.”

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“I can’t be the only thing that makes you happy, Wells… that’s too much pressure…” Cameron to Wells

“Sorry.” Wells mumbled, ducking his head so he wouldn’t have to meet her eyes. He was definitely embarrassed. While he would usually verbally spar with Cameron, he didn’t hear teasing in her voice. And, yeah, he had said what he had lightheartedly…but he had meant every last word. Cam was his happiness. He really didn’t know it was possible to actually enjoy life this much until he had met her.

The last thing he ever wanted to do was make her uncomfortable and he had clearly done that. Even if he had plenty of experience with women, he wasn’t necessarily adept with relationships. He wasn’t when sure many girls liked him for who he actually was - he knew a lot of them only cared for his name. The tie to his mother. He liked to think Cameron thought of him just as differently as he thought her, but he didn’t know. Maybe that wasn’t the case. Maybe he was coming on too strong.

“I wasn’t trying to pressure you…and I’m so sorry if that’s how things came across.” He frowned. “You’re not obligated to feel the same way about me, and you can shut me up and any time, okay?” That is, if he didn’t shut himself up first. He could already feel his heart rate picking back up again and he just wanted to hide away in his bed.

“I know a lot of people think it must be nice to be the son of my parents but it fucking sucks.” Wells couldn’t hide the bitterness from his tone. He never saw them, never had his own privacy, never got to keep a single friend he made due to one issue or another…he was always moving, or his parents’ crazy scared everyone away. “And usually, I really don’t care about who they keep or push out of my life, but you? Fuck, Cameron, I’d trade you for anything.” He vowed. “Maybe there are other things that make me happy, but nothing as much as you, babe.”

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"I can see why you love it here..." Cameron to Wells

Wells had already told Cameron the abbreviated background he had with this particular home. His parents had a disgusting amount of properties, all of which he had been to at least once, but none had left an impact on him as much as this one. It was a smaller, luxurious home near the coast of Gran Canaria. They visited a lot as a family when he had been younger, but once he turned 16, they allowed him to go there alone. While it probably wasn’t the best idea for a teenager like him, he never took advantage of the opportunity. He found the place too peaceful to ruin it for himself.

It only made sense that he went there when everything went south between him and Cameron. The Canary Islands were already relatively secluded in the grander scheme of things and nobody knew he liked being there. He doubted anyone was even looking for him, but if they were? He was glad he knew the perfect spot where he couldn’t be found. Now, though, he was even more grateful for his girlfriend’s photographic memory. He was glad he took the time to tell her about this place and he would never be able to convey to her how much it meant that she found him here. Obviously, he would’ve preferred things to have went down under different circumstances, but he was still thrilled to be able to show her his safe place.

“I’m going to show you around the whole island.” Wells vowed, wrapping his arms around her from behind, pulling her close. They had just wrapped up the tour and he was more than ready to finally relax with her. She knew of all the possible places they could - she was honestly free to take her pick before he just chose one on default. “Every last inch of it…starting tomorrow. Or maybe Tuesday.” He grinned sheepishly.

He pressed a kiss to her bare shoulder. He was seriously grateful for the tropical weather here. “I’m so glad you’re here and I get to share this with you.” He squeezed her tight, smothering her with more kisses. “I didn’t think I could love this place more until you came and reminded me that I could share here with you.”

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"Hi... I'm sorry for calling so late but... I just really can't be alone right now." Cameron to Wells (im thinking when caitlin is hurt but it could be whenever)

It was rare that Wells fell asleep earlier than 2am. Without a strict schedule or a reason to be up early, it was rare that he found himself getting up before noon. It just wasn’t necessary. Plus, with all his anxiety, he was definitely, most likely, an undiagnosed insomniac. Sleep could be very difficult for him, unfortunately.

Tonight was no different from any other night. He was aware of what had happened to Caitlin and that in of itself had rattled him. He didn’t know how he was supposed to fall asleep without having answers, but especially when he knew his girlfriend was geeking. It was times like these that he wished they had fully moved in together. Wells didn’t want to overstep any boundaries, but he really, really wanted to be with his girl. Just in case she needed him, he wanted to be available to her readily.

He hated that she was this distressed, but he was glad she had called him. He answered on the second ring. “Don’t apologize, baby. Do you want me to come over? I can also come pick you up, or send an Uber over?” He offered, ready to give her whatever she requested. He just wanted her to relax for the evening, if that was even possible. He made a mental note to either order in some of her favorite things or pick them up on her way to her.

“Do you have any updates on Cait?” He asked as he slipped on his shoes, grabbing a coat from his closet. He wed glad to be going directly to her. Even if she wanted to come back to his place at the end of the day, it was still worth it for his girl to he comfortable. “If you want to go to the hospital, we can go straight there, or we can even head over to Brady and Cecilia’s if that’s better…just tell me what you want and I’ll make it happen, okay?”

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"People don't just break up with their boyfriend because someone else wants to take them on a date! How do you even know it'll go well if we go out?" Cameron to Wells

“People definitely do when presented with better options!” Wells refuted, giving her the same energy back to her. She was frustrated? Well, so was he! He didn’t get what she didn’t see here. “You know it, I know it, your sisters know it, I haven’t met them yet but surely your parents know it, and if there’s a God out there? They know it too. Your soon to be ex boyfriend isn’t good enough for you, Cam. He isn’t even a fraction of what you deserve.”

From the limited interaction he had with the other man, along with her sisters less than sparkling endorsements of him, Wells didn’t doubt he was wrong. This dude sounded like a total dud. He didn’t engage Cameron, didn’t challenge her, and from the way she was acting right now? Wells doubted he made her feel as special as she deserved. He wouldn’t be surprised if she didn’t even see herself as he did. If that fool she called her boyfriend even knew it himself.

“I’m not going to act like I even am either, but I would argue there isn’t a man out there worthy of you, Cameron.” Wells told her sincerely, shaking his head. “And it blows my mind you would settle for someone as lame as him. I might not deserve you, but I can promise you I will be trying way harder than he ever has or will. So if you can have a decent time with him, you’ll definitely have an infinitely better time with me.

“But beyond even all that…” Wells trailed off, his voice lowering, “We have chemistry. I always have a good time when I’m with you, so why would this be any different?” He countered, arching and eyebrow. He was flirting, yes, but he wasn’t speaking out of his ass. Everything he was saying was completely genuine. He saw Cameron as an absolute force of nature and everything about her left him in awe. That was more than he could say about literally anyone else he had ever met.

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"So… you hate me, then?" Connor to Mike

“God, Connor, no, I don’t hate you.” Mike retorted almost immediately, pinching the bridge of his nose - as if that would do anything. He already had the worst headache ever and he was a fool to think it would just go away. Even if everything was resolved in the next minute, he would still go to bed with a throbbing head and aching heart. Nothing about this situation was ideal. Every time he actually dwelled on things, it was like he could physically feel his heart shattering.

“I just…it was bad enough when I was a coward, I guess. Now, though? I don’t even know what to say or do around you. I feel like a fucking fool for being the one out of the loop with everything.” Mike had promised himself he wasn’t going to cry. No matter how much he wanted to, he was going to hold his ground. “If anything, I should be asking you if you hate me. Because that’s the only thing that makes sense…”

Michael shook his head, frowning. He didn’t want to start an argument with Connor. It had never been easy, but as the days went on, he wasn’t sure how he was reasonably supposed to resist her. Even when he was royally losses off with with her, his subconscious still screamed at him for wanting her. If only he had known his things would’ve actually played out. Everything would’ve been different.

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“Want to cuddle?” Cecilia to Brady

“Yeah.” Brady was too tired to pretend to be bashful. Cecilia was offering, so why wouldn’t he take her up on it? He definitely wanted to cuddle with her! He didn’t know what it was, but his wife had some sort of like magical calming power on him. Simply being in the same room as her relieved him and actual, physical contact? It was like crack.

“I need to see if the bar can just make me full time or get something else.” He mused, shrugging out of his jacket and peeling off his shirt. He was past the point of worrying about stripping in front of her or being around her shirtless. Cecilia didn’t seem to mind. “The hardware store is kicking my ass. I feel like I’m 77 and not, ya know, literally 50 years younger.” He joked, but he was tired, and he was pretty sure he sounded more awkward than funny.

Ever so gingerly, Brady eased himself into their bed, allowing his wife to be the big spoon without protest. He wasn’t so proud to act like roles always had to be reversed. In fact, he loved being the little spoon. He scooted himself just a tad closer to her, readjusting himself so his head could rest against her chest just in place so he could hear her heartbeat, relaxing once he did. He sighed in content. If he had it his way, he would do this every night, but he didn’t think they were there yet. Honestly, he already felt spoiled enough as things were.

“Is a bit of kissing off the table, or can I put my formal request in now…?” He teased after a moment, looking over his shoulder to try seeing her reaction. On one hand, he was joking, but on the other? He wasn’t. It was pretty fair to say he had a crush on his wife. “You know, before I completely wipe out on you and then you’ve got nothing but dead weight in your arms?”

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"You made me breakfast?" Cecilia to Brady

“I’m not nearly as savvy in the kitchen as you are, but I know a thing or two.” Brady grinned, pretty proud of himself as he presented the plate to her. He wasn’t up by the time Cecilia had left the apartment, but by the time he did wake up, the kitchen looked relatively untouched. Of course, she could’ve grabbed a granola bar or some fruit, but how filling was that really? It seemed like a no brainer to make her something while he prepped his own breakfast.

“I spent about 8 months in Spain when I was 22 temping at this hotel and I became really good friends with the chef. I don’t even know much, but one of the things he taught me was a mean huevos rotos.” Brady had always been content with his decisions once upon a time, but now? Man, he wished he had paid more attention. “I wasn’t sure if you liked a runny egg or not, so it’s kinda soft boiled, but I can totally go make you a new one depending on how you like it.” He added as an afterthought, hoping it was a non issue for her, but ultimately ready to show her he wasn’t totally incompetent.

He knew maybe 10 dishes in total, and he had just made he what was probably one of his best. Now that he was a married man, though, and his wife did more for him than he could ever ask for? Oh yeah, he was going to learn more recipes, become damn good at cooking them, in order to treat Cecilia more. It was literally the least he could do. Besides, now he might actually be able to learn more recipes now that he wasn’t working himself to death 24/7. The idea was so exciting and it was genuinely all thanks to his wife.

“And not to brag - because my repertoire is genuinely pathetic - but I know how to make really good eggs Benedict too, just putting it out there.” He wagged his brows, bumping her hip with his. “I’m not good for much, but let me know when you’re craving a hearty breakfast, okay?”

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"I'm okay, I promise... just go... the sooner you leave, the sooner you can come back home." Carrie to Deimos

Deimos had warned his family at the beginning of this pregnancy that he wasn’t going to be readily available. Obviously, there were some duties he couldn’t neglect, but for the most part, his dad would do just fine with his twin. This was one of those times. Or, well, it just had to be. He didn’t care if Carrie was literally telling him to go - he could tell that wasn’t the case, regardless of how hard she was trying to hide the fact.

“No.” Deimos said firmly, shaking his head. “I promised you I would be here through it all, and they can do without me, but you and our little guy? I’m not chancing it. They’ll understand.” He added, almost as an afterthought. If he was being honest, though, he couldn’t care less about what Ares and Phobos thought. There was a small silver lining in knowing his mother would be absolutely thrilled.

He settled himself back into bed, wrapping her up in his arms once he did. “Even if you say you’re okay, Carrie, I don’t think I am.” He mused, kissing the top of her head. They spoke about her fears often, but they seldom discussed his. And if he was being honest? He was terrified more often than she probably was. He desperately wanted to savor every moment he could with her, especially when not every moment was guaranteed.

“I don’t say this lightly when I say that you and our child is absolutely everything to me. I don’t know how much time I get with you guys, so while I can, if I can help it, then I am not going to pass up more time.” Deimos vowed. “I don’t care how much it bothers my family. They’ve all gotten their happily ever afters and I deserve mine with you.”

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“It’s supposed to rain tonight… maybe Auden can sleep with us?” Delilah to Hudson

“Oh yeah, of course!” Hudson agreed immediately, swapping the channel from HBO to Disney+ while he was still on his phone. He’d let Auden decide what she’d want to watch when she got here. He was well aware the toddler had less of an issue with the weather than his girlfriend, but he had no problem playing along. Besides, Auden would definitely love the special treatment.

“Do you want to go grab her and I can make some hot chocolate?” He offered, already getting off the bed. Even though the two of them had shared their bed with Auden before, he still thought it was appropriate for Delilah to situate her and her daughter before he assumed where he should be. It was just a matter of courtesy and respect. He wouldn’t mind if Auden was sandwiched between them the entire night, honestly.

The last thing he wanted was to come off as some creep, though, which was why he never suggested things himself - he just waited for Lilah to ask if she felt comfortable. He always said yes, and sometimes he would break his own rule, but it was for the best he just let her lead the way. She was the one in the vulnerable position, who had been through so much…she deserved all the control in the world. He would almost always say yes to her and this way, she never had to worry about being cornered by him with something she wasn’t okay with.

“Hey?” Hudson whispered. He leaned across the bed to kiss his girlfriend’s forehead quickly before she left him. When she lingered, he reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. “I’m never going to let anything happen to either of you. I know that’s a big promise, but it’s the truth. If Auden needs to join us, she’s always going to be welcome, okay?”

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“I don't want to mess you and your kid up, okay. You deserve better than me.” Flora to Emmett

“Hey, whoa, whoa…” Emmett tried to backpedal, his voice gentle but also a little frantic. He didn’t like this one bit. “Where is this coming from?” He asked, frowning. Times had changed, obviously, but he couldn’t believe the Flora he once knew actually could think of herself as anything but a delight. She used to tease him all the time that she was one (and he always agreed). Hearing her say this wasn’t just weird - it felt wrong.

“I know you haven’t met her much and I’m, like, really trying not to freak you out here, but Olive adores you already…she thinks you’re so cool.” Emmett tried to smile, but he was coming up short. It was true, though, what he had told her.

The two girls of his life had met only 3 times now, but it was like his daughter basically imprinted on his girlfriend. She was constantly asking if he was still seeing her, if she’d be able to see her again, if she thought Flora thought something might be cool, etc. As a dad, he couldn’t help but feel a little bad at this eagerness. Yes, his girlfriend was the most amazing woman he had ever met, but he feared Olive was latching on so quick and fast out of fear she might leave…and the thought truly broke his heart. He could be wrong, but he did have a psychology degree, and this would definitely check out.

“What’s going on, Flo?” He asked, softening his tone again. “Because I promise you - swear to whatever I can - that you’re making us happier. I always knew you were something special and even if it’s been years, that opinion hasn’t changed. You’re everything, baby.” Emmett vowed, but he still kept his distance. If Flora actually wanted to leave, he didn’t want to be an obstacle for her. She deserved that autonomy. “I don’t even know if better than you exists, okay? That seems way too good to be true.”

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“I’m perfectly capable of keeping my hands to myself…” Allison to Ezra (is she tho)

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, just because I said - very teasingly, might I add - you couldn’t, doesn’t mean I want you to!” Ezra insisted immediately. He had no shame. He wasn’t going to try to pretend to be all tough and mysterious, like he maybe he didn’t care about Allison just passing up the opportunity to touch him when she was only ready to do so…He would be a fool to discourage her.

“If I haven’t said so before, your hands can literally be all over me and you’re never going to hear a real complaint.” It took a hot second to process what he said, but when he did, his face burst into flames. He didn’t mean that to be an innuendo. Like, it was one…but his intention in this moment were purely innocent. The idea of Allison taking his joke the wrong way and thinking he didn’t want her touching him? Oh man, he would really beat himself up.

All he ever dreamed of was to be this close to Allison! Yeah, they weren’t dating, but they were expecting, and Ezra had to think that was way more intimate? At least, he liked to think so. Allison had the world at her disposal, but for whatever reason, she chose him to be their child’s father. That had to count for something, right? If he could actually talk to someone about this other than her, he definitely would have gotten their insight by now.

“Please don’t think you need to prove a point to me, because I definitely trust your word.” Ezra chuckled, even if he had to force it out. He hated the situation his dumbass self had caught him in. “If you want to keep your hands to yourself, that’s a different story, but I’m not about to pretend I want you to do that.” His smile was soft. “It sucks enough whenever we’re apart to be apart. I don’t want it to be that way when we’re literally next to each other.”

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“Do you mind affection? I think it’ll be more real if we’re affectionate with each other. But if it makes you uncomfortable, that’s okay!” Cecilia to Brady

“Listen, I am ready to kiss your feet and publicly at that, if need be.” Brady wished he was joking, but he wasn’t. He really felt like it was what he honestly should be doing. Cecilia was literally giving him his life back. He couldn’t look at her and not want to hug her or, like, worship the ground she was walking on. He sincerely doubted he would have an issue with affection from her in particular.

“Whatever you think we should be doing, I trust your judgment. If that’s being all goo goo gaga around each other, done.” He promised. Brady knew she had a point and the last thing he needed was people being suspicious. “Besides, I’m not going to tell a beautiful woman to keep her hands off me.” Brady winked, then paused, and amended, “Well, I am if that woman isn’t my even more beautiful wife…but you get the idea.”

Was it wrong to flirt with her? He really didn’t know. He was naturally a flirtatious person - surely Caitlin forewarned her sister about that - but he wasn’t even just saying this to say it. Brady has a feeling, unfortunately for his second wife, that no other woman would ever come close to the pedestal he was putting Cecilia on. He couldn’t tell if he thought she was naturally the most beautiful girl he ever laid eyes on, or if his perspective had changed thanks to the beautiful thing she had done for him. He didn’t know, nor was he sure he even cared. Brady wasn’t anticipated this marriage to result in much other than him living and a good friendship, but he would be lying if he said he hadn’t thought about the possibility of a divorce never happening.

“Anyways, like I said, I trust your judgment, so don’t you worry about me. However if I make you uncomfortable, please let me know immediately.” Brady met her gaze, but his flirty tone had shifted to something more serious. He hoped that would never be the case and he never was looking to take advantage of the situation, but he wouldn’t stop doubting himself, considering part of him was already taking advantage of her to begin with.