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."

stunned. "What

felt like a huge weight off my shoulders to say

end, and I dreaded Lindey's reaction to

me like her own, hoping today would mark the day I'd finally be part of the family

so happy this morning, waiting for me to call her "mom" when

now, facing her disappointment, I took a deep breath. "Lindey,"

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

before I finally spoke. 'Lindey, Jace and I... we're

to myself; it wasn't something I

defeated by another woman, and she was even a pregnant widow. "How can you say that? You've been together for years, know

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and he's always had your back. How can it all just fall apart like this?"

me like a wrecking ball to the chest.

must be something he did to wrong you,"

final words, blaming Jace for