‘It’s the least I can do. I want you to go into this new relationship without any baggage. Our marriage was over long before you met Rain. I just couldn’t admit it to myself.’
He stood up and pulled Lauren into a hug. ‘I bet Ben’s going to think it’s pretty awesome to have two mums and a dad.’
Lauren laughed, pulling back. ‘It’ll be a while before I introduce them. I think Rain and I need to figure out this new thing between us first.’
Jake nodded. ‘I get it. But just know, I’ll always be here for both of you, no matter what.’
Lauren felt a twinge of sadness for what might have been. But at the same time, she couldn’t wait to see where this new path would lead her, and she was grateful for the chance to start afresh, unburdened by the weight of the past.
With a spring in her step, Lauren headed off to meet Rain, ready to embrace whatever the future might hold.
Chapter Forty-One
Rain’s phone buzzed with a message from Lauren.
We need to talk. On my way.
The brevity of it left Rain’s stomach in knots. She busied herself with tidying the already spotless flat, but her mind wouldn’t stop spinning scenarios. Lauren’s words could mean anything from severing ties for good or a completely fresh start. The uncertainty was maddening.
When the knock finally came, Rain’s heart leapt into her throat. This was it. Time to face the music.
Rain opened the door, her pulse racing when she saw Lauren standing there, her expression giving nothing away. All the speeches she’d practised flew out of her head. Looking at Lauren, all she could feel was an overwhelming sense of love for this woman who’d stolen her heart.
‘Hey,’ Rain said, stepping aside to let her in.
Lauren’s lips curved into a smile. ‘Hey, yourself.’
Rain’s spirits lifted. This has to be a good sign.
‘Come in. Can I get you something? Tea, coffee, wine?’
‘No, I’m good, thanks.’ Lauren’s eyes darted to Rain’s packed suitcases as she followed her into the living room, but she didn’t comment.
Rain tried to break the ice. ‘I bet things have been crazy at the hotel lately.’
‘You have no idea. Replacing staff at the last minute? Total nightmare.’
‘Well, good luck finding someone to fill my shoes,’ Rain joked. ‘I was just getting the hang of it.’
‘Yeah, you did a great job, actually.’
‘Probably for the best that I quit, though. Not sure I could’ve kept up the pace. Making beds is a killer on the back.’
Rain knew she was rambling, but she couldn’t help it. If this was their last conversation, she wanted to make it last.
‘How’s Sydney holding up?’ Rain asked.
‘Not great, but she’s tough. She’ll get through it.’
Rain held her breath. ‘And what about . . . us?’
For a moment, they just looked at each other. Then Lauren broke the silence.
‘Rain, I wanted to apologise for how I reacted. I know you were trying to protect me.’
‘No, I’m the one who should be apologising,’ Rain insisted. ‘I should’ve been honest from the start. I never wanted to hurt you.’
‘I get it. I just wish you’d trusted me enough to tell me the truth.’
‘I do trust you, Lauren. More than anyone. I just got in too deep and couldn’t find my way out.’
‘So, what’s going to happen with Fay?’ Lauren asked.
‘She’s staying with our mum for a bit, until she gets back on her feet. I think she’s finally learnt her lesson. From now on, she’s on her own.’
Lauren nodded. ‘That’s a smart move. I know it isn’t easy.’
An awkward silence fell between them. Then Lauren raised an eyebrow. ‘So . . . what’s the deal with Clara?’
Rain blinked, feigning innocence. ‘Clara? What do you mean?’
‘Come on, Rain.’
Rain couldn’t help but laugh. ‘She’s just a friend, I swear.’
‘Really? ’Cause the way she was looking at you . . .’
‘What can I say? I’m irresistible to women,’ Rain teased.
