Meant to Marry Me: Nashville Country Dreams Part 1 novel Chapter 39

“Bree, is there something you want to tell me?” Trent asked, his hand on top of hers in the sand.

Slowly, Bree nodded and pulled her phone out of her pocket. “Yeah, I guess you could say that. Do you know why Hank was so upset last night?”

Trent nodded, and she was surprised. She’d assumed he had no idea. “He still has feelings for Monica, I guess. He went out with her a time or two before she and I started dating. I wouldn’t have gone out with her at all under the circumstances, but Hank said it was fine.”

“Apparently, it’s not fine,” she said, looking into his eyes.

“I guess not. But by the time I realized that, it was a little too late. Besides, Monica insists she never had serious feelings for him. So even if I stopped seeing her, that wouldn’t solve Hank’s problem.”

“It might’ve made him feel better. At least he wouldn’t have to see her all the time and know he couldn’t have her.”

“That’s a good point.” Trent shrugged and looked out across the ocean.

“Besides… I don’t think Monica was being completely honest with you. I know she wasn’t. Neither one of them were.”

She could almost see the shiver that went through his body. His eyes were on her again, heavy with concern. “What do you mean, Bree?”

“I mean… she’s cheating on you. With Hank.”

His blue eyes widened and his mouth hung open for a long while before he finally cleared his throat and asked, “Are you sure? I can’t believe either one of them would do that.”

“I’m sure,” she said with a nod. “I debated about whether or not I should tell you for a lot of obvious reasons. I finally decided it wouldn’t be fair to anyone if I didn’t, but most especially not fair to you. Trent, you deserve to be with someone who knows what she has when she’s with you. How anyone could ever step out on you is unfathomable to me. If she doesn’t recognize how special you are….” Bree stopped talking because she knew she’d end up reciting the vows she’d written for him when she was in high school and had dreamt of marrying him. She’d ramble off a list of all the things she loved about him right here in the sand. But that’s not what he needed right now.

He looked away from her, and she gave him some time to process. It had to be a shock. When he pulled his hand away from hers to cross his arms over his knees, she tried not to be offended. But her hand felt cold now without his.

“I wish there was a way you could hear this and not be mad at Hank. He first mentioned that he had pretty strong feelings for her at Christy’s party, a long time ago. I think he’s tried to get over her, get away from her, but just can’t seem to do it.”

“He’s supposed to be my best friend.” Trent ran his hand through his hair.

“I know. I couldn’t believe he’d do that either. I’m so sorry.”

“But you’re not shocked that she’s cheating?”

“I told you, I’m surprised anyone would cheat on you. But, no, I’m not shocked Monica would do something so selfish. Even if she wasn’t cheating, Trent, you deserve so much more.”

He shook his head and scoffed. “Now you say that. Bree, why didn’t you say anything like that five or ten years ago when I wasn’t about to get married?”

“Because… you were my best friend. I didn’t want to ruin it and lose you. I wasn’t sure how you felt about me….”

“Damn it, Bree. I kissed you, didn’t I? I would’ve in the parking lot at the dance, too, if Hank hadn’t shown up. He’s been sabotaging my life for years.”

It was her turn to be quiet and contemplative. Eventually, she said, “I’m sorry, Trent. I should’ve said something, especially after you kissed me. I tried texting you, but I guess I had the wrong number, and whoever my messages went to jerked me around a little bit. But… does it have to be too late now?”

As the question rolled off of her tongue, she wished she could take it back, that she could suck it back in, or reach out and grab it.