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 introduced

Jane, her mother Bella, and

her hands might be too rough for the delicate child. But Mira grabbed her

her dad," Christine remarked. "A social

just hope she doesn't inherit his sharp tongue. That would be

would dare

Her cuteness was irresistible, and Christine leaned

daughter this adorable one

should get married

it was soon time for dinner, and Helena headed to the

cook. Christine

was curious. "What's the kitchen klutz doing

proudly demonstrated her newfound fire-starting

head with pride and then

might, but it's not

the Myers

you curious about the

of my business. I don't want to

Jane let it

evening, not only did

up,

cottage feel crowded. The lack of space wasn't

ver

when she saw