BROKEN HOPE (Broken Redemption Book 2)

Chapter 25

Emilia

"Jen, this isn't going to work," I mutter, twisting from side to side, nervously eyeing my reflection. The olive-colored maxi dress I brought with me hangs limply around my frame, looking as shapeless as it does well worn.

"Why not? It looks fine to me. Plus, you love that dress. I've seen you wear it dozens of times."

"Exactly. It's what I wear to normal, everyday events." I scowl, staring down at the offending piece of fabric, wondering how it became one of my favorites.

"Goodness gracious, what's up with you? It's only my brother, for God's sake."

What is up with me?

WHAT IS UP WITH ME!?!

Everything is up with me!!! From the fact that today marks our first official date and I have nothing to wear, to the reality I've yet to talk to my best friend about my budding relationship with her brother. Oh, and let's not forget the cherry on top of the craptastic sundae that is my life: the girls and I are in hiding because there are people determined to use us to get revenge on my ex-husband.

"Jen, please. This is serious. I'm freaking out," I whine, feeling tears stinging in my eyes. When she notices my distress, her face pinches with concern. Knowing this is it, I collapse on the edge of her bed, shoulders slumped, bracing for the fallout of this conversation. Dropping the pair of shoes she was holding, she comes to my side and takes a seat next to me.

"We need to talk."

"Of course. What is it, Emi?"

It's only been 4-weeks since I signed the divorce papers that ended my 7-year marriage, and 2-weeks since the girls and I moved into Lucas's childhood home. From the outside looking in, the pace at which we're moving forward with our new relationship would draw incredulous looks and judgment from anyone. And as I'm looking at my best friend now, knowing she's aware of the mess that is my life, I wouldn't blame her if she hated that Lucas and I are together.

"I'm in love with your brother." I blurt out, unable to meet her gaze. My attention fixates on my hands, wringing nervously on my lap. "I've loved him all my life, Jen. Even as I married Creed, the love I felt for my husband was nothing compared to what I feel for Lucas. And I get it. I know I'm not in the best place right now, and that I'm probably the last person you'd want for him, but...."

"You finish that sentence, and so help me God, I will punch you. Hard. Like, bring tears to both our eyes kind of hard." Jen interjects firmly. Her hard stare is laser-focused on me, and I understand why she doesn't want us together. If I were in her shoes, I'd probably feel the same way.

"Emilia, I don't know anyone in this life who deserves to find happiness more than you and my brother. The three of us have been through pain and heartache the likes of which most people will never experience. It's why we deserve every bit of the happiness we can find," she continues, her hand resting on my hands as she looks into my eyes.

"I've found my happiness. In you, my brother, our friends, my husband, and now my baby. If Lucas is your happiness and you are his, why would I ever stand in your way?"

"Look at my life, Jen! Everything's a mess. I just got out of a seven-year marriage to a man who up and disappeared after leaving a heaping pile of trouble on my doorstep. How could you possibly want your brother to be with someone like me?" I express, my emotions a mix of anger, frustration, and fear. I'm terrified that after all is said and done, I will be to blame for Lucas's undoing. I love him with all my heart, and while I'd never do anything to purposely hurt him, what if that's exactly what I do?

"You already said you love my brother, which leaves only one question. Are you still in love with Creed?"

"No! God, no. I love him because he's the father of my children, but the only man I am in love with is Lucas."