Page 210 of Chasing Hope

Matteo’s eyes grow glassy as he clears his throat. “Thanks, Caleb. That means more to me than you’ll ever know.”

Clapping a hand on his shoulder, I squeeze. “You werealways my brother. Put a ring on her and you’ll officially get the title.”

His lip twitches. “Once we get her through all of this, you best believe I’ll do everything to show her I’m worthy of the honor of being called her husband.”

“Good.”

After a beat of silence, my phone starts vibrating again. Growling in frustration, I decline the call then block my mother’s number. “This is why she threw away her phone, isn’t it?”

His lips thin, the movement answer enough.

A bark of humorless laughter escapes me. “And here I was, fucking my way through Greece while she was dealing with all this.” Shaking my head, I murmur, “I’ll never forgive myself.”

“You need to, Caleb. You?—”

“Didn’t know,” I finish for him. “I got it. Doesn’t mean I deserve to forgive myself.” I hold up my hand as his lips purse. “Save your breath, brother. I won’t believe a word of it anyway.”

I don’t deserve to.

Chapter 60

Evie

KIERAN ASHFORD

Hey mini Ellington

you up for company?

EVIE

as long as you don’t expect me to smile, abso-fucking-lutely

KIERAN ASHFORD

never

I prefer you moody and throwing hockey pucks at my face

EVIE

that was one time…

KIERAN ASHFORD

three times

on my way to jog your memory

I’ve never felt so awful in my life.

The passing months—hell, over a year—were nothing compared to this sensation. Rock bottom wasn’t a fewmonths ago, it’s now, with the sound of my father and mother’s voices on repeat as they say I’m unstable, a liar, and need help.

My tear ducts are empty, my stomach disgustingly empty.

Nothing left to shed, not even my dignity.

I’ve tried my best not to tell people, have tried to protect the little version of me that already had so much stolen from her, and now the entire world knows with just one click of a button.