What else could she do but say yes? It didnt matter that Ross wasnt Vaughan. Or, actually, it did matter that he wasnt the man whod broken her heart into so many pieces shed been uncertain she could ever get over it.
Kelly was pretty sure by that point that she wouldnt. So it was more like trying to figure out how to have a happy life even though she still ached for someone who didnt love her.
Eight years. Shed walked out on her ex-husband and the father of her children eight years before. And shed waited. Waited for him to figure out she was amazing and that together they could have such a wonderful, loving family. If he just got his shit together.
Plenty of tears and lots of lonely nights later, all shed gotten was the lesson that no matter how much she wished it wasnt true, Vaughan Hurley wasnt a stable, reliable bet.
Worse, Kelly wasnt sure he ever would be. Whether hed ever grow the hell up and be a man worth her love wasnt something she could bet on anymore. What was she supposed to do? Be single forever? Wait for something that might never come to pass? Kelly didnt want to be alone anymore. She wanted to be married. Wanted to come home to someone every day.
Ross was a good man. Hed be a good husband. She had no right to expect superhot chemistry every single moment. She loved him. They could have a good life. He was exactly what she needed.
She had to stop waiting around and start living her future. She focused on Rosss warm, brown eyes. He was safe. All right. Yes, a stranger seemed to say, though Kelly didnt take the words back or argue with them.
Ross smiled and hugged her tight.
* * *
VAUGHAN HURLEY WAS finally home after being away for the past three months touring with his band, Sweet Hollow Ranch. Even before that, hed been hard at work on their new album. Itd been a good move on his part, as his career and the bands sales and tour had done exceptionally well. But thered been no denying hed put pretty much his entire focus on work.
He was done with that for now. He had things to do. Things hed avoided doing for years. Maybe too long.
And it had taken his ex-wifes being proposed to, to finally get him to admit it.
I thought I should let you know Ross asked me to marry him and I accepted.
His heart lurched as he struggled to keep his composure. When are you getting married?
We havent set a date yet, but not for another year or so. She waited. He needed to beg her not to do it.
Oh. Congratulations.
Shed nodded. Thanks. Have a good tour. Shed turned and left him there on her porch, and hed driven back home on autopilot.
Vaughand been thinking of little else over the past three months. Not just her engagement, but his ridiculous silence and the way shed waited for him to say something, and when he didnt shed walked away.
And here he was, after a show, amped up and missing something he hadnt realized hed been blessed to have until hed lost it.
They shared two beautiful daughters he adored like crazy, though. After three months on the road and not being able to kiss or hug them, he missed them. As they got older it was harder and harder to leave them each time. Because the next time he saw them, even if it was just a few weeks later, theyd have grown and lived and hed missed all those moments.
Despite that, he was blessed that they loved him back. His little girls, smelling of that strawberry shampoo they loved, snuggling and kissing him good-night. When they looked at him with so much trust and love, it broke him apart and put him together anew every damned time.
He drove the short distance, waiting until he was parked at the curb in front of the house his ex-wife raised their children in. Their home. A place he had to ask to visit.
All his goddamned choice. His divorce had been the epitome of being sorry you got what you wished for.
The lights appeared to be on upstairs so he had hope that he could at least poke his head in on the girls if they were asleep and drop presents off.
And see her.
He pulled his phone out and texted her that he was outside. But she didnt text him a reply. Instead Kelly appeared on the porch and waved him inside. He moved to obey and thats when he noted her urgency.
Fear seized his heart as he rushed to her. What is it?
Its Maddie. Shes got a really high fever and abdominal pain that when it happens is so bad she cant stand through it. Im just about to take her to the emergency room. Can you come?
Vaughan looked at her, truly looked at her for the first time in a while. She still made his heart skip a beat but right then, it was totally clear she needed him. He shook himself loose and focused on the problem. Yes, yes, of course. Tell me what you need.
Kelly paused. Just a slight one, and drew a quick breath. She licked her lips and then pointed him upstairs. I just finished getting her dressed. I have her shoes in my purse. Can you bring her down? Im going to get the car unlocked and ready. Take her out the front door. Her delivery was clipped and very precise, and that moment of intimacy between them passed. He took some comfort in her apparent self-control and got his shit together, too.
Halfway up the stairs, he remembered their younger daughter. Kensey?
Shes spending the night with a friend. Hurry, Vaughan.
He did, jogging to the bedroom at the end of the hall. His baby smiled up at him briefly. Daddy? Youre here. Im glad. I have a fever.
Vaughan bent, picking her up, the heat of her burning against his skin. Panic licked at the edges of his consciousness. He dug deep and got it under control. His child needed him. I heard. Come on, baby. Your mom is getting the car ready.
She nodded sleepily, her pale green eyes glossy with fever.
Kelly was at the door and she led him to the car where he loaded Maddie in, sliding next to her.
Settle in, noodle. Were going to the doctor now. Lean on Daddy. Kelly met his gaze in the rearview mirror. He noted her fear. Thank God hed been there, and she and Maddie hadnt had to go through this alone.
No one spoke much as they hurried to the hospital not too very far from Kellys place. Once during the ride Maddie tightened up with a hiss as the pain shot through her abdomen, but it was fleeting.
When she pulled up under the awning outside the ER, Kelly came around to his door. Im going to take her inside. I have all her medical info and they know me here. So I need you to park the car and join me inside afterward. Can you do that?
Her tone was exactly what he needed to hear. No nonsense. In charge and efficient. He got out, transferred Maddie to Kellys arms and she went inside.
Vaughan didnt waste any more time looking longingly at her. He jumped back into her SUV and found a place to park as quickly as possible. His phone to his ear as he called his parents, he also managed to grab his hoodie and Maddies stuffed pig before hurrying back toward the double doors leading to the emergency room.
* * *
VAUGHAN STOOD ACROSS from Kelly, on the other side of the gurney their daughter lay on. They were preparing to roll her into the operating room, and Kelly paused to press a kiss to Maddies forehead after brushing the hair away from her eyes, already heavy with the first step of sedation.