Chapter 26

“Rea, I’ve got a huge bash planned for you guys and invited everyone. Make sure you’re back by six tonight,” Lindey’s upbeat voice on the phone caught me off guard. I hadn’t considered she wouldn't know we hadn’t gotten the marriage license. Jace must have kept her in the dark, probably afraid of her reaction after last night’s disappointment.

As I listened to Lindey’s excitement and anticipation, a wave of apprehension washed over me about breaking the news. The fact that Jace and I couldn’t get married was already settled. I couldn’t hide it forever, and certainly not now. Besides, if she found out later, with all the guests she’d invited, it would only make things worse.

“Lindey,” I called softly.

“You’re about to become my daughter-in-law. You should start calling me ‘Mom,’ don’t be shy,” Lindey teased.

For a moment, I felt a sharp pang in my heart. “I’m sorry, but I… I may never have the right to call you ‘Mom.’” There had been so many moments over the past ten years when I had longed to call her Mom. But it seemed that wish would never come true.

“What do you mean?” Lindey sounded confused. “Rea, are you uncomfortable? Then don’t—”

“We didn’t get the certificate,” I interrupted. “And we never will.”

“What?” Lindey was stunned. “What happened? Rea…”

“We broke up.” It felt like a huge weight off my shoulders to say those words.

There was silence on the other end, and I dreaded Lindey’s reaction. She’d raised me like her own, hoping today would mark the day I’d finally be part of the family officially. She had been so happy this morning, waiting for me to call her “Mom” when I returned home. But now, facing her disappointment, I took a deep breath. “Lindey,” I began cautiously.

“What happened, Rea? Tell me,” Lindey’s voice softened with concern.

Memories swirled in my mind before I finally spoke. “Lindey, Jace and I… we’re just not right for each other.” I kept Jace’s faults to myself; it wasn’t something I wanted others to know. I didn’t want to get into a rivalry with another woman over a guy, but the reality was I had been defeated by another woman—a pregnant widow.

“How can you say that? You’ve been together for years, know each other like the back of your hand. You love him, and he’s always had your back. How can it all just fall apart like this?” Lindey couldn’t accept it.

Her reaction hit me like a wrecking ball. “Lindey…”

“I’m calling Jace. It must be something he did to wrong you,” Lindey’s words hit me hard, and tears welled up. Lena squeezed my hand, and I forced a smile at her. But in Lena’s intense gaze, I saw the shattered reflection of my facade. Externally, I remained collected, but inside, chaos reigned, visible in my eyes.

When Lindey called again, I ignored it. I knew she wanted me back at the Johnston residence, hoping to sway my decision. But I wasn’t going back to hear Lindey and Mathew try to talk me out of it. I’d made up my mind, so there was no need to listen to their arguments. It would only drain us both.