Page 91 of Scarred

I fucking hated it.

I couldn’t get it off of her fast enough. My entire being was screaming inside that it should be me.

That my number belonged there—no one else’s.

And now…

Now, my daughter is holding Luna’s hand and acting like it’s the most natural thing in the world for the three of us to stroll down the sidewalk…like she belongs here.

I glance at the two of them interacting, and Scar’s excitement is obvious in her bright blue eyes. Luna has us both under her spell, and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it except pray like hell it doesn’t destroy me in the end.

Loosening the grip on the sweatshirt, I think of tossing it in the garbage can we just passed by, but if it belongs to Savi, it’s not her fault Luna found it and decided to wear it. Besides, if it had never happened, she wouldn’t be wearing my team right now, covering her perfect little body.

It’s oversized like the other one and almost hits her knees, but it’s also the sexiest thing to see her wearing my clothes. If a hoodie can be this sexy, I can’t even imagine what seeing her naked in one of my t-shirts would do to me, let alone my jersey.

I have a feeling seeing her wear my number might be the one thing I couldn’t recover from.

“Ice cweam!” Scar lets go of my hand to point at the smoothie and ice cream sign as we arrive at the building. It’s even cuter at night with the lights strung out under the awning and a couple of tall heaters on either side putting out a warm ambiance for anyone who wants to enjoy the tables outside.

“My mom’s best friend works here,” Luna tells Scarlett. “I bet I can get you extra gummy bears on your ice cream.”

“Yes,” she squeals, running inside with Luna while I hold the door.

The place is adorable inside, with wooden floors and a few tables scattered about, each with wooden games of some sort laid out for families to play while they enjoy their treats. I recognize some of the local handmade items on the shelves that her dance studio and yoga place have.

Something catches my eye, and I touch the dainty bracelet with the crescent moon.

“Is that sea glass?” I touch the smooth green glass and look closer.

“It is,” Luna grins. “My Mimi makes those. She loves to comb the beaches up and down the coast looking for the perfect pieces. She’s been making little moons for me since I was about Scarlett’s age.”

“Little moon,” I murmur, remembering the exact words that came to mind when I gave her a nickname.

I scan the other various pieces, and see another bracelet that’s made with a pink braided rope with a little moon sitting in the center. On either side of the moon are two small gold stars completing the night sky.

“Scarlett would love that,” Luna whispers. “Stars are her favorite, and it’s pink,” she smiles before taking my daughter’s hand and leading her to the counter.

I hold the bracelet and run my thumb over the smooth little moon.

Stars and a moon.

Emotions rise as my throat gets thick and heavy.

Two completely different signs, both beautiful and unique in their own way.

Both are a part of Scarlett’s life in one way or another.

Is this a sign?

Do I even believe in signs?

I rub the ache in my chest and wonder what it could mean.

Feeling pulled to buy it, but not sure why, I take it with me to the counter, where Scarlett and Luna are busy trying samples. I watch them giggle and talk about which ones they like, and it’s easy to let their infectious energy seep in as my lips twitch at the corner in their direction.

“You must be Cayden.” I turn my attention to an attractive older woman with beautiful green eyes, who smiles at me. “I’m Maya. Maverick and Sophia’s mom.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you,” I smile. “Mav and Sophia are good people. You must be so proud.”