Lost Me Gained Regret

Christine clinked her glass against his, then tilted her head back and finished the drink in one go. The burn of the liquor was both sobering and intoxicating.

"You're right," she said, "thankfully, I wasn't in too deep."

Falling in love deeply can break your heart, but at least her heart wasn't shattered beyond repair.

...

Three days later, Jane arrived at the Merritt house with her child and Bella Taylor. They happened to catch Christine coming back, wearing a straw hat and rolled-up jeans, splattered with mud from head to toe.

Jane's eyes widened in surprise. "The girl who used to doll up just to take out the trash, what happened to you?"

"Did love make you lose your mind?" she teased.

Christine shot her a look. "Wish me well for once, dear friend."

Jane laughed. "I would, but this is quite the transformation."

Bella chimed in, "I think it's great. Being comfortable in your own skin is what's truly beautiful."

Christine noticed Bella's lovestruck glow and asked, "Seems like love is treating you well, Bella. You've got a new pep in your step."

"Stop teasing me."

"Why isn't Mr. Shaw here?"

"He'll join us later; he's tied up with a photo shoot."

them inside and

friend Jane, her mother Bella, and my goddaughter,

might be too rough for the delicate child. But Mira grabbed her finger with a firm

her dad," Christine remarked. "A social

inherit his

would dare mess with

baby teeth. Her cuteness was irresistible, and Christine leaned in

daughter this

you should

was soon time for dinner,

cook. Christine followed

curious. "What's the

newfound fire-starting skills.

shook her head with pride and then asked, "Is Gregory

not certain. He's swamped with

two companies and the Myers Group, no

"Aren't you

off. "It's none of my business. I don't want

wishes, Jane let

evening, not

up, but

the small cottage feel crowded. The

ver

when she