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Sixteen
Spence sat on the edge of his bed at Derrick’s place, trying to reason out what Abby had said. He still thought she’d mixed up events and created a big thing that didn’t exist. The running away issue...he had to own up to that. It was his go-to move and giving it up would take everything he had.
But he’d do it for her. He’d do almost anything for her.
“Why are you here?”
Spence looked up to find Derrick leaning in the doorway. He looked comfortable. Like a man who had finally found some peace At least until the screaming baby came.
“That’s welcoming.” Spence didn’t bother to get up or move over. He knew Derrick would loom there, waiting for the right time to impart some wisdom. That was his go-to move.
Derrick let out a long and very loud exhale. “You should be at Abby’s, insisting you two can work things out.”
“Can we?” That was the question that kept bouncing around in Spence’s head. He’d never wanted anything this much.
“You know the answer. You’re just feeling sorry for yourself.”
As pep talks went, this was not one of Derrick’s better ones. Spence was hoping for more. “Thanks, man.”
“You have a right to. Your life is a mess.” Derrick did step inside then. He walked over and sat next to Spence. “But she’s the right one for you and you know that. Put away the fear and set down roots. You belong here. You belong with her.”
He sounded like Abby. Their comments mirrored each other. Apparently, everyone else could see his fear. So much for the theory he did a good job of hiding it. “You make it sound easy.”
Derrick laughed. “Oh, it’s scary as hell. I know.”
“And I have this.” Spence reached beside him and picked up the unopened envelope from Eldrick. This was part of the requirements that would allow Derrick to take over the business. What needed to be done to make Eldrick slip away permanently, because Spence knew Derrick feared Dad would just walk into the office one day and try to run things again. The ownership percentages allowed him to do it.
“Open it.” Derrick shrugged, acting as if his entire business future didn’t ride on whatever was inside. “You may as well face everything at once. Let’s see if you balk.”
Spence ripped the top open. “And my list of requirements is...wait.”
The air punched out of his lungs. Spence blinked a few times, trying to bring the simple sentences into focus. This wasn’t a legal document; it was...he didn’t know what it was.
Derrick frowned as he grabbed the paper out of Spence’s hands. “What?”
Go find Abigail. Beg her to take you back. She never betrayed you.
“Come on. Is our dad taking responsibility for something? That can’t be right.” It seemed impossible. Spence couldn’t even get the words to register in his brain.
“Yes, but even weirder, I think he’s matchmaking.” Derrick turned the paper over then flipped it back again. “This can’t be from Beth or her doing. The envelope was here long before the engagement party, and that’s where she found out. That’s all Dad.”
“Our dad?” The one who harassed Abby and kissed her. The one who sent them down this awful road. “No way.”
“Apparently people can change.” Derrick handed the paper back to Spence. “Your turn.”
* * *
An hour later, Spence stood at Abby’s door. Without saying a word, she gestured for him to step inside. Didn’t slam the door on his face.
That alone seemed like a step forward. “Thanks for letting me come in.”
“You still have the key and the security codes.”
Some of the hope inside him died. Her voice sounded flat and there was nothing welcoming about a conversation about security codes. “Is that why you agreed to see me?”
She stopped in the middle of her living room and faced him. She wore oversize sweatpants and a T-shirt with a rip along the shoulder seam. Her hair was half in and half out of a ponytail holder.
She had never looked more beautiful to him.