Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson) novel Chapter 839

Christine clinked her glass against his, then tilted her head back and finished the drink in one go. The burn of the liquor was both sobering and intoxicating.

"You're right," she said, "thankfully, I wasn't in too deep."

Falling in love deeply can break your heart, but at least her heart wasn't shattered beyond repair.

...

Three days later, Jane arrived at the Merritt house with her child and Bella Taylor. They happened to catch Christine coming back, wearing a straw hat and rolled-up jeans, splattered with mud from head to toe.

Jane's eyes widened in surprise. "The girl who used to doll up just to take out the trash, what happened to you?"

"Did love make you lose your mind?" she teased.

Christine shot her a look. "Wish me well for once, dear friend."

Jane laughed. "I would, but this is quite the transformation."

Bella chimed in, "I think it’s great. Being comfortable in your own skin is what's truly beautiful."

Christine noticed Bella's lovestruck glow and asked, "Seems like love is treating you well, Bella. You've got a new pep in your step."

"Stop teasing me."

"Why isn't Mr. Shaw here?"

"He'll join us later; he's tied up with a photo shoot."

Christine invited them inside and introduced them to Helena.

"This is my best friend Jane, her mother Bella, and my goddaughter, Mira."

Helena hesitated to touch Mira, worried her hands might be too rough for the delicate child. But Mira grabbed her finger with a firm hold.

"Just like her dad," Christine remarked. "A social butterfly."

Jane sighed, "I just hope she doesn't inherit his sharp tongue. That would be too much."

"What's wrong with that? No one would dare mess with our little Mira."

Mira giggled at Christine, flashing two tiny baby teeth. Her cuteness was irresistible, and Christine leaned in to playfully nuzzle her.

"Why are you here?" she demanded.

Dailey walked right up to her. "Did you really think I let you go that day because I wanted to?"

"Christine, even if you hate me, I can’t stand the thought of you with someone else."

Jane gave him a playful swat and started to step forward, but Gregory held her back.

"Christine isn’t willing," Jane protested.

"I'll handle it," Gregory assured her.

Just then, a loud voice rang out, calling, "Sister!"

At the sound, Dailey tightened his grip around Christine’s waist and deepened the kiss.