Page 103 of The House Guest

“I don’t deserve you,” I murmured.

“You deserve someone who fights for you.” He placed his hands on my shoulders. “I love you—just as much, if not more, than this guy, whether you realize it or not, and regardless of whether you return the sentiment. I’m not letting you go that easily.”

This wasn’t the reaction I’d expected. Not sure how anyone could still have hope after what I’d just thrown at him.

“Don’t get me wrong,” he continued. “That doesn’t mean I’m gonna make things difficult for you, if you want to be with him. It just means I’m not gonna give up without a fight. My family is on the line, but this isn’t just about Rosie. I wouldn’t try to save us if I didn’t love you. I’ll always love our daughter. That goes without saying. But even if she didn’t exist, I loveyou, Primrose. I’d want to spend my life with you even if we didn’t have a child together. I don’t want to lose you.” He suddenly stood. “That said, I’m letting you go.”

Huh?I stared up at Casey.

He continued, “You were going to tell me the wedding is off. I’m not giving up hope when it comes to us, or ourfamily, but I think you need to go live what you think is your dream. See if it’s really what you want or if it’s just an illusion.”

I shook my head. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying you should go to California.”

“I can’t just leave Rosie and go to California. I—”

“Rosie will be fine for a week. I’m not saying go indefinitely. But you should go.” He looked at me for a long moment. “Maybe you need to see that the grass isn’t actually greener.”

“I’m not sure I can resolve anything in a week.”

“Then take more time. I just don’t think you’re gonna be able to be away from Rosie for much longer, which is why I said a week.”

“You’re right. I won’t be.” I rubbed my temples. “I can’t believe you’re encouraging me to do this.”

“Were you not going to end things with me today?”

I hesitated. “I was going to tell you the truth about what’s been happening and call off the wedding.”

“Well, then, I don’t have much to lose, do I?” His stare was incendiary. “So, before you have a chance to break up with me, I’m breaking up with you. I’m making you a single woman again, giving you the space to figure out what you really want.”

I narrowed my eyes. “There has to be a catch somewhere.”

“No catch. I’m not playing games. I don’t do that with my daughter’s future. And yeah, maybe I’m also trying to come out of this with my damn pride intact.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I’ve given this relationship my all. No matter what comes out of this, I have no regrets.”

“Nor should you. You’ve been the best partner and father to Rosie.”

Casey grabbed his jacket. “I’m gonna get out of here for a bit. Need some air. Let me know when you’re leaving.”

With that, he was out the door.

CHAPTER 29

Primrose

It took me a week after my conversation with Casey to make a firm decision. Once I’d committed, though, I had to break the news to my daughter.

On our way home from preschool, I announced, “Mommy has to go away for a little while, okay?” From the rearview mirror, I could see the look of concern on her sweet face.

“Where are you going?”

“California.”

“Why?”

“I used to live there, and I have to go back for a visit. It’s just for a week, and Grandma’s gonna take good care of you while Daddy works.”

“Can I go with you?”