She cups my face, gazing into my eyes. “I love you too.”

It’s my turn to pump my release and when I’m done, I hold her in my arms. We’re sated and relaxed. Happy. For the first time in a long time, everything feels right.

Raegan’s stomach lets out a loud growl. I chuckle. “I’ll get our tacos.” I plant a kiss on her forehead and roll out of bed.

Life is crazy. A chance encounter can tilt your entire world on its axis. You can’t always see the reason why things happen in the beginning, but eventually, it all clicks into place. Everything makes sense.

One second you’re miserable, and the next you’re making post-sex tacos for your girlfriend on Valentine’s Day with a goofy smile plastered on your face.

I carry our plates into my bedroom, water bottles tucked under each of my elbows.

Raegan’s out of bed, hunched over my open dresser drawer.

What’s she looking for?

My body stills when I glance down at the blue velvet box she’s clutching in her hand.

No. It can’t be. “What are you doing?”

Tears well in her wide eyes. “Jax, I can explain.”

The plates slam as I drop them on top of the dresser. I yank the box from her fingers and flip open the top, staring at the sparkling ring in disbelief.

See that guy? The one whose life just crumbled before his eyes? That’s me, Jaxon.

Biggest chump in the fucking world.

Six Months Earlier …

Days Left Until School Starts: 30

Raegan

Did you know there’s an entire playlist on Spotify called Badass Slow-Motion Walking Songs?

Imagine that scene in a movie when a car or building explodes. Now picture the actor walking away from it in slow motion, flames roaring around him, smoke billowing into the atmosphere. He’s totally unfazed by the fact that he could be hit by flying debris at any moment. Notice the song playing in the background? It’s a rock song, lots of drums, and it amplifies the man’s badassness as he leaves the fiery scene.

That’s how I envisioned myself leaving the courthouse on the day my divorce was finalized.

I had the playlist ready to go on my phone and everything. Earbuds? Nope. I was going to blast that shit the whole way across the parking lot.

But when the sun hits my face as I exit the courthouse, all I want to do is cry. And take a nap. Then cry some more.

Seven years I’d been married. Might not seem long to people who’ve been together for decades, but it felt like an eternity for me. I tried to make it work. I gave and I compromised. I cooked, I cleaned. I gave him a blowjob every night. Every night. Don’t tell me I wasn’t dedicated.