Taking Chances (BYC #3)

40. Lennox

40

LENNOX

I ’m left stunned speechless. Though she basically told me to ‘fuck off’, my chest swells with pride. She loves me. She loves me, all the broken pieces of me.

But she put herself fucking first. I suppress the need to pump my fist in the air. The people-pleasing, compliant Anne looked into the eyes of a man she loves and put herself first.

If I’m the one who helped her do that, it will be one of my greatest achievements.

Still, she’s wrong. My head’s not blurry with emotion, I feel like I can finally see clearly.

And all I see is her. She’s the sun heating my skin and the moon illuminating my darkest parts. She’s the perfect to my imperfections. She’s the purpose to my meaningless existence.

But I have to make her believe it. She’s been hurt one too many times, and a deep part of her believes she isn’t lovable.

What a crazy thought. I snicker.

She was the brave one this whole time, and now it’s my turn to step up and show her how I feel.

Time to make a plan.

Three weeks later, I knock on Rina and Connor’s door.

“Hi, daddy,” I poke fun at him, making him snort.

“Original.”

“I thought so,” I respond.

This isn’t the first time I’ve visited Daisy. The little bundle is the first baby I’ve known, and I have to say, she’s even more adorable than I expected. I was prepared for her to be tiny, but not to smell better than anything else I’ve ever smelled. I was also unprepared to have her in my arms and imagine what it would be like to have one of my own. Would she have red hair like Anne? Or her gorgeous green eyes?

I was lucky enough not to have run into Anne while visiting them. I miss her like crazy, but I have a plan.

She needed time to know I’m sure about this. I needed time to get my mom settled in and prepare everything. Though Mom hasn’t shared what the two of them talked about, I know the conversation with Anne played a huge part in her being in Seattle now.

Also, Rina and Connor needed time to adjust to the life with their newborn before I sprang this on them. Hopefully, three weeks was enough because it’s time.

Daisy sleeps on my chest, which is probably good because I want to keep the chances of Connor attacking me to a minimum.

“So, I have something to share with you.” Their eyes move from lovingly staring at their daughter to looking at me. My guess is Anne hasn’t mentioned anything to them, because I’d have already heard about it. I take a big breath. “I love Anne.”

Rina’s eyes crinkle at the side, lips pulling into a smirk. “Finally,” Connor groans.

I guess they notice my confused face because Rina continues, “You can’t honestly think we haven’t noticed. You were like two opposing magnets, pulling closer together the longer we hung out.”

“How come you haven’t talked to me about it?” I turn to Connor.

“About what?”

“Warning me not to hurt her. I have hurt her.” The protectiveness inside of me grows. He should have taken care of her.

“But you’re going to make it right?” Rina asks, her voice gentle.

“Yes, but it doesn’t matter. You should have protected her.”

“From who? You?” Connor shakes his head. “Look, man, I know you have your fucked up reasons for being this closed off, but I know you. And I love you.” He looks to Rina. “We trust you. Even with the heart of one of our best friends.” Rina nods, a smile on her face.

“Oh.” The anger in my stomach settles. “Good. Because I’m not letting her go. And I need you help with making her forgive me.”

“Oooh,” Rina squeals, clapping her hands, and I clue them in on my plan.