Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right by Rosie Steppe

+15 BONUS Chapter 26

"Rea, I've got a huge bash planned for you guys and invited everyone. Make sure you're back by six tonight," Lindey's upbeat voice on the phone caught me off guard.

I hadn't figured she wouldn't know we didn't get the marriage license. Jace must've kept her in the dark, probably afraid of her reaction after last night's disappointment.

As I listened to Lindey's excitement and anticipation, a wave of apprehension washed over me about breaking the news.

The fact that Jace and I couldn't get married was already set in stone. I couldn't hide it forever, and certainly not now. Besides, if she found out later with all the guests she had invited, it would only make things worse. "Lindey," I called softly.

"You're about to become my daughter-in-law. You should start calling me 'Mom,' don't be shy," Lindey teased.

For a moment, I felt a sharp pang in my heart. "I'm sorry, but I... I may never have the right to call you' Mom.""

There had been so many moments over the past ten years when I had longed to call her Mom.

But it seemed that wish would never come true.

"What do you mean?" Lindey sounded confused. "Rea, are you uncomfortable? Then don't change- "We didn't get the certificate," I interrupted her. "And we never will."

Lindey was stunned. "What

felt like a huge

silence on the other end, and I dreaded Lindey's

today would mark the

had been so happy this morning, waiting for me to

disappointment, I took a

happened, Rea? Tell me," Lindey's voice softened with

mind before I finally spoke. 'Lindey, Jace and I...

myself; it wasn't something I

but the reality was I had been defeated by another woman, and she was even a pregnant widow. "How can you say that? You've been together for years, know each other like the back of your

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love him, and he's always had your back. How can it all just fall

a wrecking

calling Jace. It must be something he did to wrong you," Lindey's words hit me hard,

words, blaming Jace