Chapter 32

“Oh man, we are sorry. We can come back,” Cyman said, putting Wren down.

She ran right over to me and climbed onto my lap.

“No Cy, we can stay. I need to hear this f’ing story,” Casey said, remembering not to curse in front of Wren.

“There’s no story. I got stuck in the blinds and Keegan heard me screaming and came to help me,” I said, cuddling Wren.

“Shirtless no less, Kee P.?” She asked.

“I just got out of the shower. Seriously Casey. Everything isn’t about some old relationship. Sometimes people move on and others don’t,” he said, nodding towards Cyman.

“Whatever Keegan. We have a child together in case you forgot,” Casey said.

“It’s beautiful. What the heck? I’m sorry Casey. I’m nervous about tonight. I didn’t mean anything by it,” he said, “Let me finish getting ready before Haven arrives,” he said.

I kept my eyes off of him the whole time he walked away. I didn’t want anyone to see me lusting after this man.

“So Case, you and Cy are a thing now?” I asked.

“We aren’t a thing. She is my everything. She and Wren are what I needed. I’m going to work hard to make sure I’m exactly who they need,” Cyman said, squeezing Casey’s shoulders.

“Daddy, you hug mommy,” Wren asked.

Oh my gosh! I hadn’t heard her call him that. It was the sweetest thing ever. He came and grabbed her off of my lap and lifted her in the air.

“Daddy hugs Wren too,” he said, bringing her down into a bear hug that only Cyman could give her.

I see it now. The way he is with Wren. The way he looked at Casey. Cyman had changed. I wanted what Casey had and found myself being envious of my gorgeous best friend.

“James, come here for a sec,” Casey said.

I walked over into the breezeway with her. Looking around and remembering this is where Keegan and I first kissed.

“What is going on with Keegan? Did you not see him all hugged up with Haven last night and this morning at breakfast?” She asked, accusingly.

“I did, but nothing was going on. He helped me get my hair out of the blinds. You wouldn’t want me to stay captive would you?” I joked.

Her face was serious. She hugged me gently.

“James, I get worried about you. I see you putting your entire heart into someone that could care less. He is probably going to the NFL next year. What would that do to you? He will be in another state. I doubt the Saints draft him. You need to think about these things,” she said.

“I told you, there is nothing there. I care for him, but it just isn’t the right time. Maybe in a few more years we will find one another again like you and Cy did. I love what you two have,” I said.

“Just take care of yourself James. Don’t let these boys knock you off your square,” she advised.

“I’m trying not to. I still can’t believe I broke up with Tate for Keegan and he was kissing another woman at breakfast,” I laughed.

It seemed so funny now that I gave up everything for him.

“You broke up with Tate?” I heard someone say quietly.

I turned around to see Keegan standing there. Before I could answer there was a knock on the door. Casey opened it to reveal Haven. She looked absolutely beautiful. She walked in as if she had been here before.

“Hi guys! What a warm welcome! Hey baby!” She said, going on her toes to kiss Keegan.

He looked at me as if to say he was sorry. Her fingers were interlaced with his already.

“Take these bags babe,” she said, holding up two shopping bags full of wine and food.

Keegan obliged and took everything into the kitchen.

“Casey right?” Haven said, reaching out to shake her hand.

Casey looked at me for approval and I nodded. She shook her hand.

“So does it feel weird dating Brees’ ex?” Casey asked.

I couldn’t believe she said that. I gave her the look of disbelief. My mouth sitting wide open, Haven turns to me and says, “Keegan always said you were like a little sister to him. I didn’t even know you two dated. Was it serious?”

Was it serious? He was the love of my life lady. Are YOU serious?

“It was short lived. Not much to report,” I said, ushering Casey away from Haven.

Casey smiled. She knew what she had done. In some ways I was happy she did. I hadn’t really heard much about Haven and if she even knew about me and Keegan. Clearly he hadn’t told her the truth. I was like a sister? I don’t think he would ever think of me in that way. Not anymore.

As everyone settled in, including my dad and Allison, we moved into the dining room. Haven had gotten a beautiful glazed ham, with mashed potatoes, green beans and sweet rolls. Everything looked amazing.

“It looks lovely, Haven,” I said.

She nodded, smiled, and began passing the rolls.

“So I’m excited to hear why you guys have brought us here,” my dad said, scooping a pile of mashed potatoes onto his plate.

Keegan cleared his throat. We all turned our heads in his direction.