Falling Apart, Together✓

Chapter Sixteen

After the ultrasound appointment, it seemed like everything was going down hill, for me at least. Our wedding planning came to a stall because I couldn't get Ransom to give input on anything. He was constantly glued to his phone, checking in on Laurel about the baby.

I wasn't worried about her, he promised me that he'd never touch her again. And for my own sanity, I chose to believe him. But I was jealous. I was jealous of the fact that this was supposed to be me. This was supposed to be us.

Everything came to a head one Sunday afternoon at Harlan's. We were there for lunch and some asshole had invited Laurel. She was six months pregnant at this point and milking being pregnant with Ransom's baby a little too much. I had put up with her snide remarks that always seemed to be aimed in my direction all throughout lunch but my patience was wearing thin the longer we stayed in this living room.

She was going on and on about how she hoped their daughter looked just like Ransom and I had had enough. I turn to my mom. "I'll be right back. I need a moment." I say quietly as to not draw attention from everyone in the room. Mom and Linda give me an apologetic look. I was almost at the door when Laurel finally decided to make a comment.

"It's such a shame how others can't be happy for old friends." she said to no one in particular. Archer actually face-palmed, knowing I wasn't going to be able to keep my cool. I saw Harlan sneak a five dollar bill out of his money clip and attempt to slide it to him without anyone seeing.

"It's really such a shame how 'friends' can be so jealous over the fact that they were only good enough once I was gone. It's such a shame that you still feel so threatened by me that you have to make snide comments about having a baby with someone who doesn't want you. Just because you're an idiot who either can't keep track of her cycle or knew exactly what she was doing that night, doesn't mean that I need to even think about having any other emotion for you besides pure, unadulterated hatred. You took the day that was supposed to be about me and Ransom and the future that we are trying to build together and made it all about you. Which is really fucking impressive since you were definitely not on the guest list because I made sure everyone knew what a giant cunt you are. The only reason I haven't dropped kicked your ass into the next century is because that's Ransom's baby that you're carrying. You're still pissed because he doesn't want you know, just like he didn't want you then. I couldn't do anything in high school when you were pulling this shit. But the difference now is that I don't have to put up with it. Gramps, thank you for a lovely lunch but I really think I should be getting home." I say before grabbing my coat and walking out.

I was out the front door and at my dad's car before Ransom catches up to me. "Please don't leave."

"I can't be here while she is, and you can't ask that of me. I'm just going to go home. I'll see you there." I say, kissing his cheek before getting in the car and driving off.

I get halfway home before I have to pull over from crying. Once the car is in park, I fish through my purse for my phone, calling Archer.

"Hello?" he answers.

"Don't say my name. I don't want them to know you're talking to me."

"Yes Mr. Carter. I'm available for a quick phone conference." he says, playing along.

"Can I please hide out at your place for awhile? I can't be at Ransom's right now. And going to Mom and Dad's just isn't an option."

"Yeah, that'll work. Do I need to be there now or are you ok to start without me?"

"You can stay. I'll just use the hide-a-key."

"Sounds good. I'll be there in an hour."

"Thank you! You're the best big brother ever. Bring some bourbon home with you."

"You're welcome, sir. I'll be sure to do that." he says before hanging up.

...

I was at Ransom's, grabbing some things I might need and I get a call. It's a local number but not one I recognize. "Bentley Reynolds." I answer, a little apprehensively.

"Hi Bentley. This is Mark Roberts, media consultant with the New England Patriots. How are you?"

"I'm well," I say. "What can I do for you?"

"Well I was actually hoping that we could do something for you. Our current photographer is retiring and we're looking for their replacement. Your agent sent over your portfolio and we're interested in you for the position."

I gasp, "Are you serious?"

He laughs. "Very. I know you're currently employed with National Geographic but we're willing and able to offer you double, if you're interested."

"This sounds amazing. Can I have just a day to talk it over with my fiance?"

"Of course. Let me know. You have my number."

"I will. Thank you so much." I say before hanging up and immediately calling my agent. "When were you going to tell me?!" I ask as soon as she picks up the phone.

"So I take it they called you with an offer?"

"Yes. How long have you been sitting on this?"

"A couple of weeks. With everything that's been going on with you, I didn't want you to feel too overwhelmed. I figured you finally needed some good news and told them to reach out. Are you going to take it?"

"It's an amazing opportunity. I just want to get Ransom's opinion on it. I told him I only needed tonight to think about it."

"Make sure you let them know. This is an amazing opportunity and one that'll keep you close to home."

"I will. Thanks Shanna." I say before hanging up. I tried calling Ransom but it went right to voicemail. I was a little upset by this but left him a message to call me back when he could.

...

By the time I got to Archer's he was already home. "Why are you just now getting here?" he asks, pouring me a shot of bourbon. I take a small sip before responding.

"Tell me what happened after I left and then I'll tell you."

"Nothing really. Ransom blew up on her after he came back inside. Said she needed to respect you as his fiance and soon to be wife or she'd regret it."

"Good."

"So... Why were you late?"

"I got a job offer."

"But you have a job..."

"Yeah but this one is local."

"And... Don't leave me hanging."

"If I take it, you will be the twin of the official photographer of the New England Patriots!"

"Holy shit!"

"I know! And they're offering me twice as much as what I'm making at Nat Geo. And it'll keep me local, if Ransom ever gets his head out of his ass and actually marries me."

"Did you tell him where you were?"

"No. We haven't really talked lately unless he's telling me something about the baby. I'm glad that he's excited but I can't get over the fact that this is happening with another woman. A woman who made my life hell throughout all of high school. I'm trying to plan our wedding, and he's having a baby with another woman."

"Have you told him any of this?"

"How can I? You don't see him when he's talking about her, the baby I mean. I don't want to hurt him or make him think that I'm making him choose. Because at the end of the day, I'm not sure who he would."

"So you're just going to suffer in silence?"

"It's what I'm good at, at this point." I say before going to take my stuff to his guest room.

If I had waited just a moment longer before shutting the door I would've heard my brother say, "Did you get all that?"