I glanced down and thought about the life I was carrying. We weren’t out of the woods yet. Vultures lurked around us, waiting for the right frame, the right opportunity to blow our tentative peace sky high.
I would never allow my child to be exposed to the filthy, predatory nature of the tabloids.
So even though I loved them and trusted them, I knew what my answer was going to be.
I sighed and took my hands back. “I’m sorry. This is just… too complicated.”
Red stiffened, but he didn’t look upset. If anything, there was nothing but sympathy in his eyes.
“Alright,” he replied gently. “I understand. I wish you all the best, Julia.”
Cash kissed me chastely on the cheek. “If you ever change your mind…” He didn’t finish his sentence. I remained by the shade of the oak tree and watched as Red and Cash walked away, joining Dylan by his car.
I managed to hold in my tears until after they were well and truly gone.
This is for the best, I thought to myself.It has to be.