Page 100 of Mr. Edwards

“She took a test while she was at our place, but it was negative. She thought the baby was yours, Gray, that’s why she came here.”

My eyes widen and a small ray of hope bubbles up inside my chest. “Mine?”

“Yes, she told me what happened at the wedding.”

Reaching up, I rub the back of my neck. “I bet she was relieved to find out she wasn’t pregnant.”

“She wasn’t. She broke down when the test came back negative.”

“She did?”

“Uh-huh.”

“And what about the guy she’s supposedly living with?”

“It’s Reece. I’m sure she’s told you about him.”

Reece, Jesus Christ. I didn’t even factor him into the equation. “That’s who she came to the hospital with?”

“Yes.”

“So, they’re not like… together,together?”

“Eww, no way. He’s like a dad to her, or a big brother at the very least.”

Fucking Ashton.

Emma reaches over, picking up the album she brought with her. “I’m sorry Ashton came over here with his half-ass assumptions. If I’d known what he said to you, I would’ve come sooner. I’m only here today because I want to show you something. Yesterday, we picked up our wedding photos.”

God, please don’t make me sit here and go through this entire album.

She opens it up to a page she’s marked with a long strand of white ribbon. It’s a photo of her and Ashton, they’re gazing into each other’s eyes. The last thing I want to see are images of them all loved up. It feels like salt rubbing into my wound.

“What do you see when you look at this image?”

“I don’t understand what you’re asking.”

“Look at it, really look at it, Gray, at the way I’m looking at Ashton.” She points to her face. “If you had to describe in one word what you see in my eyes, what would it be?”

My eyebrows pinch together. Where is she going with this? I’m not in the mood for this shit. “Love, I guess.” I shrug. “I can see how much you adore him.”

“Bingo,” she says as a huge smile explodes onto her face. “You’re good at this.” What the hell, are we playing games now? I can’t see why she’d think any of this would help. It’s damn depressing, to be honest. “Bear with me.” Emma flips ahead to another page she’s also marked. “Now look at this one.” I intake a sharp breath when I see it’s a photo of me and Carlee when we did the bridal waltz. The image was taken from the side but on an angle so you can see the majority of Carlee’s face. She’s so goddamn beautiful it makes my heart ache. Emma pokes her finger at the picture with enthusiasm. “Look at Carlee’s eyes, Gray. You can see that same look, right?”Fuck me, I can. “She still loves you,” she whispers. “It’s written all over her face.”

I want a copy of this photo. Will I look too needy if I ask for one?

Swallowing, I try to relieve the baseball-size lump that’s now lodged in my throat. “I still love her too, goddammit…shit.” I don’t know why this makes me mad, but suddenly I’m seething. I stand, raking my fingersthrough my hair. “If what you say is true, why is she doing this to us?”

Emma bows her head. “I wish I knew.”

“She’s never said anything to you? Never given you any indication as to why?” I ask as I start to pace.

“Of course not. I already told you that numerous times.”

I blow out a frustrated breath. “I know… I know, I just thought maybe you were keeping something from me because she’s your best friend.”

“You’re my friend too, Gray,” Emma says, reaching out to grab hold of my hand as I pass in front of her, giving it a light squeeze. “If there was any way I could help fix this, believe me, I would. It kills me to see you both like this. You belong together.”

“You think we belong together?” I ask hopefully, even though I already know it’s the truth. Carlee owns every part of me and that’s why I can’t let go. Ashton may not think so, but I’m glad his wife can see things as clearly as I do.