I think I was always destined to battle my twin for Vivien’s heart.
“My heart was always going to be torn in two,” she continues, confirming she’s given this much thought. “It’s why fate led me to you in Dublin because how else do you explain it? Out of all the cities I could have escaped to, I chose the one you lived in. And out of all the people who live there, I befriended Ash and we met. I mean, it’s crazy, right?” A little spark flickers in her eyes.
“It is, and I think you’re right. I don’t believe in coincidence, so it’s got to be fate.” I have thought about what might’ve happened if Reeve hadn’t died. Would she still be with him, or would she have left him for me? We’ll never know, and I don’t mention it because what’s the point? He’s not here, and I am. Trying to second-guess what would happen if he was still alive will only hurt both of us. Instead, I choose to believe in fate. Fate brought us together, tore us apart, and then reunited us. I choose to believe that would have happened even if Reeve was still walking the planet.
“Yes, yes.” She nods before resting her head on my chest and grasping my shirt. “Can I ask you something?”
I nod as she peers up at me.
“You said ‘once a cheater always a cheater’ about Reeve. Do you know something I don’t?”
Shit. I really was a fucking prick when I first showed up. I shake my head. “I threw it out there to annoy you. I have no proof he cheated on you, and from what I know of him now, I think it's fair to say he didn't. I'm sorry if I made you doubt him.”
“You didn't. Not really. I knew he would never cheat on me again. He was always so quiet and melancholy on Christmas Day. I know he was remembering our breakup and how much it killed him to be separated from me. He loved our family and the life we shared. He wouldn't do anything to jeopardize that. I was sure of it, but I just needed to ask you about it.”
“I was such an asshole to you. I’m sorry.”
She waves her hand in the air. “It’s water under the bridge now, Dillon, and I don’t want to think about all that again.”
Silence engulfs us for a few minutes, but it’s the kind of comfortable silence I live for with Viv. There is such peace in sitting here holding her in my arms.
“I’m tired of feeling guilty, Dil,” she admits, snuggling closer. “I’m tired of missing Reeve and Lainey, but most of all, I’m tired of not living. I want to be happy again. I just want to be happy.” Her voice trails off, and she sounds dejected and sad.
“I want you to be happy too, sweetheart. Let me make you happy. Let me love you.”