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

her mother Bella, and

be too rough for the

her dad," Christine remarked. "A

inherit

No one would dare

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

a daughter this adorable one

you should get

soon time for dinner, and

cook. Christine

curious. "What's the kitchen klutz

demonstrated her newfound fire-starting skills. Jane gave a

her head with pride and

not certain.

two companies and the Myers Group, no

looked at her. "Aren't you curious about

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

Jane let

not

up, but

too, making the small cottage feel crowded. The lack of space wasn't the

ver

jaw dropped when