SADIE

I woke up next to Trevor. He’d let me stay at Jason’s place with him. I felt like the worst person in the entire world. It was my fault that Dane was pissed at Trev. I tried to get up quietly so I could leave without waking him.

“Hey, I’m heading home. Go back to sleep,” I whispered when I saw him open his eyes.

“What time is it?”

I looked at my phone. “Nine.”

He sat up quickly. “In the morning?”

“Yeah.”

He jumped out of bed. “I’m so running late!”

I watched him rush around, throwing off his clothes and putting on new ones. I followed him downstairs and out to the parking lot. He hugged me quickly, got in his car, and sped off.

I looked at my Rover then got in. After making my way down the road a bit, I called Brink, hoping it was still his number.

“Hello?” Quinn’s voice rang out through the speaker.

“Quinn?”

“Yes. May I ask who’s calling?”

“Sadie.”

“Ah. Hello, Sadie. Brink just went to bed. I can give you a rundown about what he found out or I can have him call you once he wakes up.”

I quickly pulled onto the shoulder. “No, tell me. Please.” I could hear my heartbeat it was thudding so loudly.

“DHS is going to come do a house study and interview of Dane on Friday. Brink has stated that Dane would like to get custody of him and they have agreed, as long as Dane takes the classes and passes everything, he will be allowed to get Tate. A test has to be done so Dane doesn’t have to tell them you lied about not knowing who the father is. Once the test results come back, it should just be a matter of time. Brink is working on documents for the both of you so you can share custody. He said it could still be a couple of weeks before Tate can come live with Dane, but you both will be allowed visitation rights as soon as the test results come back. Brink will be able to tell you more once he wakes up.”

“Wait…”

“Wait what?”

I felt like I was going to throw up. “I want him to live with me. Did anyone plan on discussing this with me?” I was pissed.

“You gave up all rights to him, Sadie. Dane did not. It was the quickest and easiest route to do.”

I couldn’t answer. I didn’t know what to say. She was right.

“Besides, you’re still in school. Do you even have a home or a job? You will have to have both before DHS would even consider you.”

“I have a job and an apartment. But since getting the news, I planned on moving back to Stockbridge with my parents until I can get on my feet. I knew keeping him in New York wouldn’t work because I want Dane to be as involved as he can.” Tears filled my eyes. “Just do what you guys have to do to get him here.”

“We will. I’ll have Brink call you once he wakes up.”

I wanted to thank her but my throat was too thick with guilt and stress. I hung up and burst into tears. I rested my head on the steering wheel as I cried. Once I finally calmed down, I drove home.

Dad was at work but Mom was on the front porch swing waiting for me. I got out of the Rover and walked up the steps. I leaned my back against the railing and ran my fingers through my tangled hair.

“I heard you told Dane.”

I nodded.

“I was told he’d be fighting for custody.”

I looked at her. “He is, but not how you made it sound. Quinn makes a good point. I’ll be moving here and don’t have a house or a job right now.” I wiped my eyes. “I gave up my rights, Mom. Dane didn’t. He didn’t even know. Had he have known, Tate would have been with him since birth.”

“Your father and I could fight for him.” She raised a brow at me.

“What? You two are divorced. And you can’t do that! You two are the ones who told me I should do the adoption and not tell Dane!”

Tears filled her eyes. “I know. Dammit, Sadie, I know! But do you honestly think your father and I didn’t regret that decision? All we saw then was our baby girl having a baby of her own. Dane’s life at home wasn’t the best. We thought we were making the best decision.”

“Why didn’t you help us then? Why didn’t you let me keep him and raise him at home?”

“You had dreams! We didn’t know we were making a huge mistake then!”

We were yelling so loudly at one another we were making some of the neighborhood dogs bark.

I shook my head and ran my fingers through my hair again. “I can’t do this with you right now.” I went inside and slammed the door. I went to my room, locked the door behind me, and sat on the floor with my back against the bed.

My phone dinged.

Dane: We need to talk.

Me: When?

Dane: Tonight. Millie is going to spend the night with Zach and Hales.

Me: Do you want me to come to your house?

Dane: Yeah.

Me: What time?

Dane: Is eight okay?

Me: Yeah.

Dane: All right. See you tonight then.

I stared at my phone for several seconds before putting it down and getting into bed. I stayed up most of the night with Trevor, talking to him about everything and crying on his shoulder. I didn’t deserve a friend like him. I did him and everyone else so wrong, but I was thankful for his comfort because, dammit, I needed it.

I kicked my shoes off onto the floor and got under the covers. I needed sleep and to let my brain rest before having to go face Dane again.