THE WIFE HE COULDN’T KEEP

Chapter 10

Every message from Bryan made her smile. Every call made her laugh. She felt like a teenager again. Giddy. Hopeful. Alive.

On Wednesday afternoon, her phone rang. Bryan.

"Hey you," she answered, smiling.

"Hey yourself." His voice was warm. "I know we said this weekend, but I can't wait that long. Can I take you to dinner tomorrow night?"

Stella's heart fluttered. "I'd love that."

"Great. I'll pick you up at seven."

"You don't have to pick me up. I can meet you."

"I want to pick you up. I want to see where you live. Meet the kids. If that's okay."

Stella hesitated. She'd never brought anyone home. Not in six years. She'd kept her private life locked away.

But this was Bryan. And she trusted him.

"Okay," she said softly. "Seven o'clock."

***

The next evening, Stella was a nervous wreck.

She'd cleaned the penthouse twice. She'd changed outfits three times. She'd told the nanny to stay late.

At exactly seven o'clock, the doorbell rang.

Stella opened the door. Bryan stood in the hallway, holding a bouquet of white peonies.

"Hi," he said, smiling.

"Hi," she breathed.

He handed her the flowers. "These are for you."

She took them. Peonies. Her favorite. She'd told him once, in passing. He'd remembered.

"Come in," she said.

***

The triplets were waiting in the living room.

Leo was bouncing on the couch. Maya was clutching her stuffed rabbit. Aiden was standing with his arms crossed, watching the door.

Bryan knelt down to their level. "Hi, everyone. I'm Bryan."

Leo jumped off the couch. "You're the man from the park!"

Bryan laughed. "I am. And you're Leo, right?"

Leo nodded vigorously.

Bryan turned to Maya. "And you must be Maya. I remember you liked the ducks."

Maya nodded shyly.

Aiden stepped forward, studying Bryan carefully. "Are you going to be our friend?"

Bryan met his eyes. "I'd like to be. If that's okay with you."

Aiden was quiet. Then he nodded. "Okay."

Stella watched from the doorway, her heart full.

***

Dinner was easy.

Bryan was charming and patient with the children. He listened to Leo's endless stories. He praised Maya's drawings. He answered Aiden's questions honestly.

After dinner, Stella tucked the triplets into bed.

When she came back, Bryan was standing by the window, looking out at the city.

"Thank you," she said softly.

He turned. "For what?"

"For tonight. For being so good with them."

He crossed the room and took her hands. "I had a wonderful time. Your children are amazing."

"They're a handful."

"They're perfect." He squeezed her hands. "Just like their mother."

Stella felt heat rise to her cheeks.

"Stella," he said quietly. "I know this is fast. But I need you to know that I'm serious about you. About us. I'm not going anywhere."

She looked up at him. "I don't know what to say."

"Say you'll be my girlfriend."

Stella's breath caught. She stared at him. He was serious. His eyes were warm. Honest.

"Bryan, I..."

"You don't have to decide right now," he said quickly. "I just wanted you to know where I stand. I want this. I want you. I want to see where this goes."

She was silent for a moment. Then she smiled.

"Yes," she said softly.

He blinked. "Yes?"

"Yes. I'll be your girlfriend."

His face broke into a wide grin. He pulled her into a hug, laughing.

"Really?"

"Really." She pulled back, looking up at him. "I'm scared. I won't lie. But I want to try. I want to see where this goes too."

He brushed a strand of hair from her face. "I won't let you down, Stella. I promise."

He leaned in and kissed her. Soft. Gentle. Sweet.

When they pulled apart, she was smiling.

"I'll call you tomorrow," he said.

She walked him to the door. He kissed her cheek. Then he was gone.

Stella stood in the doorway after Bryan left, her hand pressed to her chest. Her heart was still racing. She'd said yes. She'd actually said yes.

She was scared. Terrified, even. She'd been hurt before. She'd been destroyed before. She'd spent six years building walls around her heart, and she was finally letting someone in.

But for the first time in six years, she was also hopeful.

She smiled.

I'm doing this. I'm really doing this.

She closed the door and leaned against it. Her heart was full.