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“I’m gonna hop off here. Talk later?”

“You sure you’re okay?”

“Oh, you know, just found out the love of my life is having a baby with another woman.”

“Well, technically, you found that out almost two weeks ago.”

“You know what I mean.”

“I do.” She concedes. “Call me if you need anything.”

“I will. Love you.”

“Love you, L.” With that, she ends the call.

I pace my room for the next hour, trying to piece together a puzzle that no longer seems to fit together. On one hand, I should walk away. I should let him raise his child with Cat and try to find a semblance of happiness. On the other, I think I’d rather walk through hot coals than ever give up what we have because of Cat Stewart.

A baby doesn’t change that we love each other.

At least, it doesn’t for me.

Unfortunately, I can’t speak for Penn.

And therein lies the real issue.

I have no clue what he wants anymore.

But I know one thing for sure. I need to be prepared because there is a very good chance that this doesn’t go the way I want it to.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Penn

“Penn, I don’t know if you can hear me, but if you can, I need you to know that I love you. I love you and I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything. I want you to know that I’m still in Wren Cove. That I didn’t go anywhere, and I’m not going to. I’m yours if you still want me. I’ve never stopped being yours. Time or distance will never change that. A baby won’t change that. Nothing will ever change that. If you don’t feel the same anymore, I understand. But if you do, you know where to find me... I love you.”London’s words play on repeat in my head.

I tried to respond, but by the time I had formulated what to say, she was gone. Imagine my disappointment when I said her name and it was Lou’s voice that answered back. I asked where she was, but he said she had already left.

That’s all it took for me to turn the boat around and head for shore. I hadn’t ventured too far—about a half a day’s ride—but it felt like it took me a million years to get here. It’s well into the night when I dock Northern Star and even later by the time I finally make it to my truck.

I consider driving straight to London’s house, but I don’t think Rand and Lori would appreciate that all that much, so I head toward my own home instead, figuring I’ll get a much-needed shower and a few hours of sleep.

It takes me less than fifteen minutes to reach my house and when I do, I mutter a curse under my breath when I see all the lights on. I completely forgot I had asked Walker to housesit.

Parking the truck, I try to mentally prepare myself for what I’m likely going to walk in on but find myself pleasantly surprised when I find Walker passed out cold on the couch. Sure, he left all the lights on and the television is blaring, but there isn’t a female or empty beer cans in sight.

Finding the remote on the end stand, I shut it off, not sure how anyone can sleep through such noise. I head toward the back of the house where the master bedroom sits.

I’m so exhausted that I barely notice the sleeping form in my bed, that is, until it moves.

“What the...” I flip on the light, hoping to find London.

Instead, I find Cat... And she’s naked...

Nudging her leg, her eyes dart open and immediately find mine.

“What are you doing here?” I don’t try to hide the anger that boils in my voice.

I am angry.