Vowed to give her whatever she wanted and needed. If that meant staying out of her life forever, I’d leave. I’d get on the open road and ride to the farthest spot, so she didn’t have to breathe the same air as me. I’d ride away from all that I knew, my club and my family. I’d do anything for her because nothing and no one meant more to me than my Bonita.
26
Brynne
He senses something. I know it.
I buried my face in my hands, nearly in tears. All day he’d been off. After he’d brought my breakfast, he had a lame excuse for why he had to go. I hadn’t believed he had to tend to the chickens for a second. Wouldn’t he have told me if they had chickens?
He knows, doesn’t he, God?
I was sure to lose him when I told him the truth. And not in the way of him abandoning his kid. Joseph was too good of a man to do that to his child. But he’d hate me for betraying and lying to him. His trust would be broken because of my secret.
I placed my hand on my stomach and wept. “I’m so sorry, sweet baby. Your daddy will love you no matter what because you’re innocent.”
How would I live without him?
I’d have no choice. I rubbed my belly and paced the length of the room. I needed to come clean with Joseph. Own my mistake. Not that the baby was a mistake. Never. But I should’ve told him the first time we had sex that I wasn’t on birth control. I honestly thought it would be only a hook-up. A once-in-a-lifetime occurrence.
Then everything imploded, and we ended up tucked away in this magical cabin together, hiding out so Dorian wouldn’t find me. And… And I relished every second, every minute we spent together. I let us fall deeper and deeper in love.
He’s going to be so furious.
I went to my duffle bag in the corner and took out the small photo album. I turned the first page and gazed at my beautiful momma. She would’ve never lied to the man she loved like I had.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you, Momma. I just love him so much and don’t want to lose him. I didn’t intentionally try to deceive him. I didn’t seek out to trap him.” I kissed her lovely face. “I miss you. Maybe none of this would’ve happened had you been here to raise me. To teach me right from wrong.”
Cheap shot, Brynne. Her death isn’t her fault.
“Who are you talking to?”
I whirled around. “Oh. Um… My mom.” I tucked the photo album back into the bag and zipped it. “How’s it going?”
Joseph closed the door behind him. The air in the room grew thick. Oh God, he was going to confront me.
“Joseph, I—”
He rushed toward me and smashed his mouth to mine. His kiss was full of emotion, full of passion. It broke my heart because I knew the meaning behind it.
This was the end.
He only wanted one more kiss before he called me out and then asked me to leave.
I threw my arms around his neck and held on for dear life, begging God to help me.Please, Father, help me. Help us to make amends and help Joseph to forgive me. Let our love prevail, Lord. Not only for me but for our baby.
“I love Brynne.” He smothered me with kisses and squeezed me tightly. “Don’t ever forget how much I love you. I’m not perfect. I’ve fucked up so much, and I’m sorry, so fucking sorry. Incredibly sorry. All I ask is for you to give me a chance to prove my worthiness.”
“Where is all this coming from?” I cupped his face in my hands and found his dark depths wet. “Honey, has something happened?” My heart raced with worry. Had Dorian found me? Was Joseph going to hand me over to him?
“Do you love me, Brynne?” A fat tear rolled down his face.
“Yes. Yes, I love you with my whole heart.” I pressed my lips to mine. “I love you, and I’m so sorry too.” I had to reveal the truth right this second before it was too late.
“Why are you sorry?”
“I didn’t mean for it to happen. I really didn’t.” I started to cry and shook my head.
“Mean for what to happen?”