Page 53 of Knot Her Beta

“Don’t come back because you think we’re waiting for you.”

I frown.

“We’ll still be here, whether you come home next week or six months from now.”

The lump in my throat grows.

“But don’t stay there because you think you owe them a life that isn’t yours.”

My grip tightens around the phone.

“You’ve spent years helping everyone else build the lives they want.” The wobble has left her words now, leaving only the warmth Chloe can manage. “Just... make sure this time you’re building one you’ll be happy living in.”

I stare out into the darkness beyond the windows, where everything here is polished and orderly and contained in its correct box. And for the first time since I landed, I let myself admit that I’m no longer sure where I’m supposed to be.

A muffled voice calls Chloe’s name.

She sighs in exasperation. “I have to go. Holden’s brought me a new concoction to slay my indigestion.”

I clear my throat. “Can’t keep him waiting.”

A beat.

“Grady?”

“Yeah?”

“If I go into labor before you get back, I’m naming the baby Garfield, even if it’s a girl.”

I snort. “You wouldn’t.”

“I absolutely would.”

“You’re evil.”

“I learned from the best.”

The call disconnects a heartbeat later.

I lower the phone to my chest and lie in the darkness for a long time, listening to the quiet house settle around me.

Chloe and Emily both told me to follow my happiness, and I know where that leads.

But will I still be happy if my family disowns me for my choice?

Am I brave enough to find out?

Chapter Fourteen

Emily

Iwake to Jared’s arm draped across my waist, pinning me to the couch, his face buried in my hair. I shift, the leather creaking, open my eyes, and nearly have a heart attack.

Quinn stands next to the coffee table in rainbow-striped pajamas, Sprinkles sitting at her heels, both of them just watching us like we’re a museum exhibit.

Jared startles awake the second I tense, his hand clamping down on my hip as his head jerks up, and he lets out a yelp.

“Jesus fu—” He cuts off his curse, and his body slackens with an exhale. “That’s pretty creepy, Quinn.”