The Second Half (40s, Love, and Romance Book 2) by Rachel Blaufeld

Author:Rachel Blaufeld [Blaufeld, Rachel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-05-31T16:00:00+00:00

Billy

“She’s beautiful,” one of my mom’s oldest friends gushed over Laurel.

Ford was holding her and not allowing anyone else to touch his sweet baby swaddled in a green crushed velvet blanket. He’d been making rounds all night; I was exhausted watching him.

“He’s going to collapse,” Jamie said, standing next to me.

“He’ll be fine. He’s in DEFCON Dad Mode. Let him be.”

“At least I can avoid your mom and her friends.”

This had us both laughing.

“Truth,” I declared. “Not to mention Ford said Laurel is going upstairs soon, away from the germs and the crowd.”

A quick nod from Jamie confirmed what I’d been told and let me know my mother would be further displeased.

“By the way, you look stunning.” My sister-in-law ran her hand in front of my red sequin jumpsuit. “Super sexy…maybe for a certain doctor?”

I shook my head. “Shhh. No doctor. I’m leaving for California tomorrow. You know I hate Christmas dinner with Scotty and his brood. It’s all about how he’s perfect and had kids and you didn’t, meaning me.”

“You could eat with us. We’re not going. This was Beatrice’s consolation prize. This party. We head out in a few days. Stay with us…”

I swallowed my pride and my feelings. Of course I’d worn the jumpsuit for the aforementioned doctor, who hadn’t arrived yet. After he’d left the hotel the other morning, I’d realized what I looked like—no makeup, an oversized robe, and supersized wrinkles summed it up. No wonder he ran out of there.

“I can’t. I want to go back. I miss the weather, and I plan to self-soothe until the new year. Facials, massages, and pedicures are lined up.”

“Okay, but…”

“You know, you look stunning too.” I took in Jamie wearing a black tuxedo jacket, white blouse and skinny jeans, all curves and red hair, navy eyeglasses, and a smidge of dark circles due to having a newborn. I wished I could have a sliver of her confidence. Then again, I’d never had a man love me for me. Not Billy Conway, but Willa.

“I can see your brain working overtime, Bill.” I felt Jamie put her hand on my shoulder, and I knew a lecture was coming.

“Oh look, your friend Val is waving you over.” I pointed toward Jamie’s close friend, who I knew for a fact was having an affair with a married man, and hoped Jamie saved the lecture for her.

“I wonder what she needs… I’m going to go see, but Bill, listen to me—your life isn’t over. It’s an intermission. Time for new roles, love, and whatever comes with all of that. Your second half, you know?”

“I know.” I only said it to get rid of her. She didn’t understand it. I couldn’t expect her to; she’d gotten her second half… “Oh, Jamie, I have a special gift for the baby when you get back to Cali. Let me know, I’ll be over right away.”

This had me laughing on the inside. A dog was definitely going to irritate my brother. Oh well—we’d always wanted one growing up and Beatrice wouldn’t permit it.

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