Read Begin Again for Free Online Page B

brother to ease the tension. His brother’s expression turned serious. “What are you going to do? It’s obvious he’s yours. He looks just like us. He’s beautiful—hell, she’s beautiful, too.”
    “I want to meet him. I want to be part of his life. How is she ever going to forgive me for how I treated her?”
    “Well , I’m glad you want to be a part of his life. I don’t know, but you were really kind of a dick to her. It seems like she really wants him to know you, so even if she doesn’t forgive you, she wants you in his life.”
    His brother was right, so now he just had to call her and ask to see Joey. He didn’t know how serious she and Zach were, but it was going to blow seeing them together. He had no right, but he wanted to call Zach and tell him to stay away from her.
    “What’s going on? Is everything okay?” They both turned to see their mom walking towards them with Violet in her arms.
    “ Yeah, Mom, I just needed to talk to Dustin about something real quick.”
    “Okay , honey.” She turned to walk away, but Dylan called her back.
    “Hey , Mom, tonight after Stacy’s parents go home, I need to talk to you guys.”
    “Dylan, are you sure everything’s okay?” He hated his mom worrying.
    He assured her he was fine and she went back up to the house. Dustin slapped him on the back and followed their mom. It took a minute to get his shit together and then headed back up to join the others.
    After dinner , everyone gathered in the family room to watch Dustin and Stacy open their wedding gifts. Violet ended up “helping” them open gifts, quickly followed by Carrington who made it her goal to bring every gift to Violet. His mom and Stacy’s took pictures of the kids opening up the presents and playing with wrapping paper. Dylan hoped that in the future Joey would be there to get in on some of the shenanigans. He took a drink of his soda and smiled when his dad sat down next to him.
    “What’s up , Pop?”
    “Nothing, son. How are the new crews you’ve hired?”
    Business had really picked up for them in the last six months , so they had to hire more help. It kept him busy most days, driving from site to site checking in on things. He loved it, though. It was busy and he enjoyed the hands on part of it.
    “They’re great : hard workers, minimal overtime and quality work. We got really lucky with these guys. I can’t thank you enough for helping us find them.” He meant it too. Although his dad was retired, he still enjoyed when the boys came to him for help.
    “I’m always happy to help you boys. I know Luke still asks his dad for advice and help too. You boys have been so busy lately we’ve hardly seen you, but busy is good.” His dad turned away from him to scoop up Carrington onto his lap. “Give me some sugar, baby girl.”
    Carrington beamed at his dad, “Otay, Pop-pop.” She gave him a loud-lip smacking kiss and started giggling when Dylan’s dad tickled her. Of course, Violet had to be included. She came over to Dylan.
    “ Up-up.” She smiled and started bouncing up and down. He picked her up, blowing raspberries on her cheek. She tried to do the same thing to Dylan, but he was left with a cheek full of drool. He held Violet as Dustin and Stacy looked at all of the gifts they received. For once in his life, Dylan was jealous of his brother. He had a gorgeous, amazing wife and a beautiful daughter. A person would have to be blind not to see the love Dustin had for his girls. Stacy’s love for Dustin was just as strong. He wasn’t looking forward to telling his family how bad he’d fucked up.
    Stacy’s parents had left a while ago and it was just his parents, Luke, Bellamy, Dustin and Stacy. They were all sitting in the family room drinking coffee and talking. Both of his nieces were asleep. Carrington was curled up on the love seat curled up against Luke, who absently stroked her hair. Violet was asleep on Bellamy’s lap. Taking a deep breath, he knew it was now