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Then nodded.

Carter squealed.

Both of us looked over.

Michael had sat down beside her and was making faces while Carter laughed like it was the funniest shit she’d ever seen.

I smiled.

“Look at her crazy ass.”

Sam laughed softly.

“She loves Michael.”

I watched them.

Family.

Messy-ass family.

But family.

I rested my hand on my stomach.

For so long I’d convinced myself that what I was doing with Xay existed separately from Sam.

That was the lie I told myself.

Their marriage had problems.

He said he wasn’t happy.

He said they barely had sex.

He said Sam didn’t understand him anymore.

He said eventually he was leaving.

And because I wanted him, I let every excuse become permission.

Then everything came out.

And suddenly I had to look at Xay without the version of him I’d built in my head.

Worse—

I had to look at myself.

I’d risked my relationship with my sister for a man who had never even belonged to me.

Now he was gone.

Keith was gone.

The relationship I’d had with Sam was gone.

And I had two children tying me to every decision I’d made for the rest of my life.