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

my best friend Jane, her mother Bella, and my

for

dad," Christine remarked. "A social

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

wrong with that? No one would dare mess

teeth. Her cuteness was

daughter this adorable one

you should get

was soon time for dinner, and Helena headed

cook. Christine

"What's the kitchen klutz

demonstrated her newfound fire-starting skills. Jane

pride and then asked, "Is Gregory

but it's not certain. He's swamped

and the Myers Group,

her. "Aren't you curious about the

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

Jane

not only did

show up, but Gregory

feel crowded. The lack of space wasn't

ver

when