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."

inside and

is my best friend Jane, her

her hands might be too rough for

her dad," Christine remarked. "A

just hope she doesn't inherit his sharp tongue.

would dare mess with our

tiny baby teeth. Her cuteness

a daughter

should get married

was soon time for

cook. Christine

was curious. "What's the

her newfound fire-starting skills. Jane gave a thumbs-up.

shook her head with pride and then

it's not certain. He's

the Myers

at her. "Aren't you curious about the

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

Jane

evening, not only did

show up, but Gregory

the small cottage feel crowded. The lack

ver

jaw dropped when