Page 112

“Everything?” Ria asks, surprise in her tone. “The stuff with your parents, what happened to you?”

I nod.

“What did he say?” she continues.

“He was, understanding, compassionate. Told me it wasn’t my fault.”

“Because it wasn't,” Ria confirms.

“No, it wasn’t,” Ali echoes.

“I think I see that now.” I exhale.

“So,” Ali says, bumping her shoulder with mine.

“Do you love him?”

I can’t help the grin that sweeps across my face and the heat in my cheeks.

“Yeah, yeah I do.” And I have never been surer of anything in my life.

Both Ria and Ali let out girly squeals and we all burst into laughter.

“I’m so happy for you Gabs.” Ria says, tucking my now drying hair behind my hair in that affectionate way a mother does. Ria has such a nurturing way about her and I am so lucky to have her in my life.

“Me too, little G,” Ali says, wrapping her arms around me. “But I had a feeling.”

“A feeling about what?” I ask, narrowing my eyes at her.

“That you and Brad would get together, I think he’s always secretly loved you. It was just a matter of time till you both found your way to each other.”

I don’t say anything, I just digest her words and realize that maybe she’s right. Maybe Brad and I were always going to be. It just took us a while to realize it.

“I think we should get out of this tub my fingers look like prunes,” Ali says, holding up her hands, now white and wrinkly.

“Same, I must resemble a killer whale in this tub,” Ria jokes, rubbing her hand over her belly.

I snort a laugh and then we all fall into a fit of laughter. Tears of contentment roll down my cheeks.

“I love you both.”

“We love you,” they say in unison just as a knock at the door echoes and the door creeks open.

There stand the guys, who assemble into the small bathroom one after the other.

“What are you doing?” Harry asks in confusion.

“What girls do best. Crying it out in the bathtub and putting the world to rights,” Ali answers.

Jack shakes his head and laughs.

“Girls are weird,” Harry mumbles.

“Come on, help your pregnant wife out the tub.” Ria waves her arms in the air and we all chuckle as Jack lifts Ria and water splashes everywhere.

My eye catches Brad, who’s leaning against the doorframe, now wearing a pair of sweatpants. He gives a wink and first the first time in a long time, I finally feel like everything might be okay and work out after all. I just need to deal with Patrick.

Chapter Fifty Five