Forgotten Desires (Whitlock Family, #4)

by Corinne Michaels

To the women who put everyone before themselves and find some solace in reading. I hope this one reminds you that you’re worthy of being someone else’s priority. Because you’re amazing.

The second I heard the name everything changed. I knew I had to see her.

“I don’t think falling for someone fast is asinine, Brynn. You have a very open heart, you always have, and it’s what we all love about you. I fell for Phoebe fast, and let’s not even talk about Rowan and Charlotte. What I think is asinine is that he could live his life after walking away from you.”

“I remember the first time we danced,” Crew says with a smile. “We didn’t have music then.” “No, we had just our heartbeats and the ocean.” It was my favorite song. I don’t say it. I won’t say it because that will make me sound ridiculous, and I’m pretty sure I’ve done that already. “Well, we have music now at least.” Crew’s blue eyes stay on mine. “I liked our song better.”

“Why did you fly out here?” I ask, not really able to hold back. His beautiful Nordic eyes meet mine. “Marry me.”

“He wasn’t good enough for her then, and he isn’t now, and when she’s ready to leave, he’ll let her go because she is too beautiful to be in a cage. I know you want more than a marriage of convenience, and I fucking hate myself for taking this from you, but this ring represents how I’ve always seen you, Brynlee—perfect. I won’t ask the question. I won’t take that from the man who deserves to give you a proposal with his heart on his sleeve. When you’re ready, put the ring on, and I’ll know it means you’ll do this.”

grab the ring and place it on my left hand, where it fits perfectly. Like a moth to a flame, I will burn and turn to ash.

Apparently, he has a thing for bugs. I’m his honeybee and she’s his ladybug. It’s kinda cute.

Dear Brynlee, Ten years ago you caught this ball. I’ve had it, held it, and kept it with me. I never forgot a moment we shared, and just like this ball, I’ll hold onto today’s memories the same. Thank you for all you’ve given me. Yours, Crew

“No?” he asks, pulling my left hand up between us. “I didn’t win you, Bee. I didn’t do or say all the things I should’ve. I married you so that my custody case wasn’t blown. I married you so that you’d have insurance and the means to save your father. We married for other people and while all of it makes sense, I’m having a really hard time remembering it. Because when I look at you, in this house, on that couch where we slept, all I can think about is what a fucking asshole I am to have taken something else from you. So, yeah, I stole you, and now, I plan to try to earn you.”