I felt like I was on edge as I glanced at the clock for the thousandth time in the last hour. Troy was bringing his entire family over to meet Melody for the first time and hopefully have a peaceful lunch. But I knew the chances of them not being angry with me were slim at best. I would have to put my big girl panties on and take whatever heat was thrown at me for my actions. My knotted stomach told me there'd be a lot of heat this afternoon.

"Hey, need some help?"

I jumped as my hands flew to my chest. I turned to see Javier and Rowan as my breathing evened out again. "You two nearly gave me a heart attack."

Javier snuck a strawberry from the bowl of cut-up fruits. "Sorry, why are you so nervous? It's not like you haven't met Troy's family before."

I huffed with a roll of my eyes. "Yeah, but back then, I wasn't the heartless ex who broke Troy's heart and kept his daughter from them."

He chuckled with a shake of his head, "Next, you're going to be saying you deserve some sort of royal beating for your actions."

I chuckled a little in amusement. Leave it to Javier to make me feel better, as usual. "I just might," I teased him back.

He playfully punched me in the arm, and I gently pushed him back. We were both giggling, feeling like we were children again. I really needed that laugh to loosen up.

Rowan finished tossing the salad. "See, a little laughter goes a long way."

"It sure beats looking at the clock for the umpteenth time this afternoon," I agreed, checking on the sweet potato fries, tilapia, and green beans in the oven. "These look almost done."

I was digging in the cupboards for plates and cups when the doorbell rang. Slowly, I appeared from the cupboard with a worried look.

Rowan nodded at me, "You get the door, and we'll finish up."

The corner of my lips moved up just a bit. "Thanks," I sighed, looking like I was walking into the lion's den.

Javier stopped me with a tug of my arm, "Relax, we got your back, always."

My body relaxed, and I let out the breath I was holding. I gave him a more confident smile and pulled him into a hug, thanking him. Another knock came, and we pulled apart.

"I really should get that," I stated.

Javier chuckled and nodded towards the front door. "Go; we'll set the table."

I jogged for the front door, resisting the urge to check myself in the hall mirror. Coming to a stop in front of the door, I gripped the handle briefly. I closed my eyes and inhaled some calming breaths before finally opening the door. Troy stood there with Aspen on his hip, Cupid to his left, and his entire family behind him. Cupid remembered who I was immediately and barked a hello.

I laughed a little with a brightened smile. Bending down, I gave Cupid some attention. "Hi, Cupid; you remember me, don't you," I said with a giggle.

Cupid barked and licked my face. I laughed, happy to have one friend. I stood up again when Troy cleared his throat. Troy's family finally noticed that I was there and stopped whispering to each other.

Troy's Gram Gram stepped forward when no one else moved. She smiled as she reached out her hand and said, "Gabriella, it's so lovely to see you again."

I reached for her outstretched hand, "You too, Michelle."

"Oh, just call me Gram Gram," She instructed with a wave of her hand. "Everyone does. Now where is that beautiful great great-grandaughter of mine?"

I opened the door all the way, "She's still napping upstairs. It shouldn't be too long before she wakes up. But, please come in. We can catch up while we wait."

Madyson rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath. "Oh, goody. This should be fun."

Lucy shot her warning look and whispered back, "Manners."

A guy I didn't recognize slipped his hands into Madyson's and leaned in, whispering, "Baby, let's see how long that last."

Madyson let out a snicker in an attempt to hold back her giggle. I figured he had to be Joel, Troy's brother-in-law. Unlike Troy and I, Madyson and Joel didn't meet in high school. They weren't even in college. They were in their mid-twenties with their own careers. That meant that Troy and I were Sophomores in college, but I had never met him before Troy and I broke up. So, I've only ever heard of Joel.

Everyone filed in, and I shut the door behind them. As Troy passed by me, I felt his hot breath on my skin, and my heart skipped a few beats. I could feel the blush on my cheeks as he smiled at me with his heart-stopping smile. I tore my attention away from his smile to his messy honey-brown hair that seemed extra messy today. My stomach started doing summersaults when I began imagining running my fingers through his messy mop hair.

The shimmering diamond on my engagement ring caught my eye. I shook the inappropriate thoughts from my mind and stood up straighter.

I cleared my throat, pushing all the feelings being stirred in me aside. "Come on into the yard; everything is almost set up."

Rowan looked up from her place at the picnic tables. She set the plates down and nodded at them with a smile. "Hi," She greeted with a wave. "I'm Rowan. Gabby has mentioned you on numerous occasions."

"Well, they were all good things, I hope," Troy's Granddad commented.

"They were," Rowan assured them, "Gabby never has a bad thing to say about anyone."

Troy smiled at me with a wink. "That I can believe."

I could feel my face turning red again, and I grabbed the plates to keep myself busy. "Let's finish setting up," I stuttered, fumbling with the plates.

I was sure I looked like some sort of circus clown as I fumbled with the plates in my trembling hands. It didn't help that everyone, except for Rowan, was staring at me like I was looney. Rowan tried placing her hand on my arm to calm me, but I hardly noticed it. My mind was drawing a complete blank as my heart hammered in my chest.

The hammering in my chest eased when I felt another hand on my arm. "Deep breaths," Javier whispered to me. "It'll all work out as it's supposed to."

I picked my head up and noticed the look of horror on Troy's face. He was white like a sheet as hurt, longing, and jealousy sparkled in his eyes. He froze like he was watching a nightmare.

Why do I see all those emotions in Troy's sad sea-blue eyes?

Javier gave my hand a reassuring squeeze and tugged me slightly toward the chairs. He turned to Troy and his family and introduced himself. "Hi, I'm Javier. Please call me Javy. You must be the Boltons; it's a pleasure to finally meet you after all we've heard from Elly. Please sit; we can chat and get to know each other."

They hesitantly sat around the picnic benches, and we did the same. Troy didn't look too comfortable as he fidgeted in his chair. I kept my head down, trying to avoid the gaze of Troy's family as introductions went around. Most of what was being lost on me.

"So Rowan, how did you come to know Gabriella and her fiance," Granddad asked, taking one of the plates being passed around.

Rowan glanced over at Javier and me for some sort of go-ahead. Javier nods slightly enough for Rowan and me to notice, but not Troy or his family.

Rowan took the pitcher in the middle of the table. She poured the water as she said. "I grew up with them. Javy is actually one of my best friends."

"Daddy, I'm bored. I want to play on the swings," A little girl around Summer's age, who I can only assume is Troy's niece Skylar, said, pointing toward the structure.

Braydon took some things out of a bag. "Remember, we are guests here, so we have to behave. We can't be messing with someone else stuff. Why don't you draw a picture; you can show it to cousin Melody later."

Skylar frowned as she took the crayon and paper. Javier, Rowan, and I got the same idea.

"If the kids want, they can burn some energy out on the play structure," Javier offered, "They'd probably enjoy it more than listening to us talk. Plus, they'd probably have a bigger appetite after running some energy."

Skylar and Aspen perked up, looking to their parents for approval. They couldn't hop off their seat fast enough when their parents agreed.

Lucy had her eyes on the girls as she sipped her water. She turned to Javier and me when she set it back down. "Thanks for inviting us over and letting the girls run off some energy. So, Javier, tell us about yourself. Where are you from, and what is it that you do?"

Javier shrugged, "Well, I traveled a lot as a kid. But I've always considered The Bay Area home. As for work, I work at a children's hospital."

Troy's Gram Gram smile lit up, "Oh, then you must really love kids. No wonder you don't mind that Gabby already has a daughter."

He nodded, "Yes, mama. Children are one of the best parts of my job."

Lucy looked suspiciously at Javier, "And you really don't mind Troy and Gabriella co-parenting?"

I could hear the skepticism in her voice. Javier must have noticed it, but he brushed it off. "Not at all. I love Melody and want what's best for her. And I'm sure whatever Elly decides, she has Melody's best interest at heart."

"And if Troy decides to get serious with someone," Braydon asked, "you're OK with it?"

Javier sipped his water before answering, "Troy's life is his business. Who he's with or not is beyond me. I'm sure if it were that big of a deal, Troy would be hearing from Elly way before me."

"Great," Madyson replied, "Because Troy met someone in L.A. Her name is Sharon Wells, and they are inseparable. In fact, wedding bells could be in the near future for them, right Troy."

He what?

All eyes snapped in Troy and Madyson's direction. Madyson ignored the shocked and confused expressions and gave Troy a nudge when he didn't respond.

Troy jumped and started in a rush, "Yeah, we just started going out. She's great with children, so I'm sure Melody would love her as much as Sky and A do."

Lucy clapped her hands and excitedly exclaimed, "Oh, I knew it. Once you gave Sharon a chance, you'd like her."

Jack slapped Troy in the back with a laugh. "Alright, son, way to get back in the saddle. Sharon is a great choice."

I scrunched my face, glaring at Troy. I knew the whole girlfriend thing probably wasn't true, but I couldn't help the feeling of rage I suddenly started feeling. The more I heard his family chatter about Sharon, the harder it got to hold my tongue.

I huffed, folding my arms across my chest, "Well, I'm happy for you, Troy. I mean, after your last game, I thought for sure you'd scared away what few women were still interested in you," I sneered, letting my rage come out for some fun. "But clearly, Sharon doesn't mind being with the laughingstock of the NBA."

Now all eyes were on me, and I could only smile in response. Alright, it wasn't my best move, and I usually wouldn't hit that low. Plus, again, the whole thing was probably false news to make me jealous. But my emotions were out of whack, and I knew rage and its sidekick jealousy would eventually win the internal battle.

Madyson picked her jaw up off the floor and glared at me. "Oh, really. At least he's still in the NBA and can dance around the court better than you."

I met her challenge, "Really, how about we find out just how much game he has left right now? A quick two-on-two game before we eat. Troy and you against me and one other person of your choosing. First one to eight baskets win. Oh, my team will even spot you four points; something tells me you'll need it."

We were both really heated now, and neither of us noticed the looks we were getting. Even the kids on the play structure were enjoying our little show.

Madyson huffed, "You're on. Don't get too mad when we wipe the floor with you and your homewrecker of a fiancé. If that coward is brave enough to play."

I turned and noticed that Javier had a grimacing expression on his face. He had hung his head to avoid Troy's family. I knew it wasn't Madyson's words that bothered him but our sudden disagreement. Javier had never been a fighter; he was more of a peacemaker. So this little thing between Madyson and I, had no doubt, made Javier more than a little uncomfortable. Clearly, he wanted no part of it, but I'd dragged him in any way.

Guilt hit me hard with hatred on the side. It was only made worse when I saw the hurt look on Troy's face. I knew that was my doing with my jealous words. I hated myself for acting on jealousy when I had nothing to be jealous about.

"Maybe we shouldn't do this," Troy stated.

I stood and made my way toward him till I was inches from his face. "Why, you afraid you can't even beat me now?"

He stared straight into my eyes, and my mouth went dry. There was a fire in his eyes that I hadn't noticed before.

"No way," He whispered with determination. "Basketball is my thing, and academics is yours. There's no way you and your fiance can beat us."

I laughed as I sized him up, "Let's see if you still have the skills to back up your words," I shoved the basketball at him. "Your ball."

Javier popped on his feet and jogged over to me. "Why did you do that?"

I shrugged and whispered, "No idea. I got angry when Madyson mentioned Troy having a girlfriend. Then everyone got so excited at the idea, and I got even angrier. After that, I lost control, and words just started coming out of my mouth. I'm sorry."

He groaned, glancing over at Troy and Madyson, waiting on the court. He sighed. "OK, you want to let them win? Or do you want to show them some pro-action?"

I bit my lip. It didn't take me long to realize I got myself into much more than I initially realized.

If we didn't win, I'd never hear the end of it. If we played our best, they would figure out my secret. Suddenly I didn't feel so great, and I really wished I'd kept my mouth shut.

"You see the bigger problem."

I hung my head, "What am I going to do? I'm going to lose either way."

Madyson cleared her throat and asked us, "Hey, love birds are we playing or not?"

Javier held his hand up, "One second."

I kicked the dirt, "I shouldn't have let my anger and jealousy get the better of me."

"Which loss will be worse," Javier asked.

I chewed on my lip as I debated the question. I wasn't sure of the answer.

Glancing at Troy and Madyson, they looked like they were raring to go. I thought of them knowing my secrets, and a bout of emotions hit me so hard it was enough to make me nauseous. I sighed, knowing in my heart which would be worse.

"Let's let them win," I grumbled with a frown, "I can't let them know."

Javier nodded with a half-shrug. "It's your call; let's play."

Troy tossed the ball toward Madyson, and Javier intercepted it, scoring from right where he was before they knew what was happening. We took the next ball out, and Madyson intercepted it. Javier stole it and made a perfect lay-up. Madyson took out the next ball, and Javier blocked Troy's shot. I caught it in mid-air and made a three-point shot. I took the ball out next, and Madyson intercepted it. She attempted a shot, but Javier caught it, tossing it to me. I grabbed it and made another shot, evening the score at four a piece.

Troy took the next ball out, and I could see the worry in his eyes. Less than five minutes into the game, the score was already even without us breaking a sweat. Troy was starting to really feel the pressure.

I glanced over at Javier, and he nodded at me. We let them have the following two before scoring two more points. I made a lame attempt to block Troy's shot. I took the ball out again and noticed Javier nodding at Rowan. I narrowed my brow, trying to figure out what he was doing.

Rowan stood and cleared her throat, "I should check on lunch. Be right back."

Everyone was so into our game they hardly noticed Rowan leaving. I shook my head and refocused on the game. Javier had the ball and had no problems keeping it away from Madyson.

Faking left, he went right and stepped around Madyson. "Elly," He called for my attention.

As soon as he saw me turn in his direction, he shuffled the ball down low at me. I scooped it up just before Troy and took a shot—nothing but net. The game was tied again at seven a piece.

Madyson picked up the ball and spun it on her fingertip. "That's seven a piece; next basketball calls it."

"Why don't we just call it a draw," Rowan suggested showing the tray of food she had in her arms. "Lunch is ready, and we don't want it to get cold."

A smile slowly crept on my face as I realized what Javier had done. He had once again come to my rescue, just like he always had. He winked at me when I turned to him.

Troy stood up straighter when a bright smile appeared on his face. "No, we definitely don't," Troy agreed, running off the court. "Let's eat before it gets cold."

No one objected as Madyson raced after Troy, and I let out a relieved breath. I wrapped my arm around him in a side hug when we started walking off the court. Javier and I lagged behind Madyson and Troy.

Reaching up on my tip-toes, I pecked him on the cheek. "Thank you," I whispered, laying my head on his shoulder. "I'll remember to handle my emotions better."

Javier responded with a smile before sitting down next to Rowan; without so much as giving it a thought, I sat on his lap. A weird feeling crept in me as the air around us grew eerie, with stunned eyes staring us down. My face started to turn a flushing pink when I saw how uncomfortable I'd made Troy's family-especially Troy.

I was so used to these small things in my relationship with Javier. Sitting on his lap was definitely one of those things. It was now so normal to us or anyone who knew us, but it would probably be weird to anyone who didn't know us. It has become so typical it's second nature, and sometimes I don't even think about it. But the people around us sure notice and, often, get weirded out or get the wrong idea.

Judging from the looks, I'd say Troy's family was getting some of both.

Dropping my gaze on Troy, I started to get up, but Javier stopped me. Javier has never been one to be bothered by others' words or actions—something I've always found so brave about him. I've always been the exact opposite. Anyone could say anything to me or look at me funny, and it would affect me.

He gave me a look, letting me know it was OK. I gave him a small smile and continued to mind my own business. Javier was right. Eventually, they dropped it and went back to their lunch.

As we ate, Troy's family made small talk, but I could tell there was something they wanted. Maybe it was women's intuition or how I still knew Troy so well. I couldn't figure out how I knew, but I did—this afternoon had not yet reached its highlight.

"Daddy," Truett's voice called through the monitors. "Mommy?"

Rowan set her fork down and stood. "I got him. Javy, you want to fix the plates."

Javier and I worked like a well-oiled machine fixing the plates. Neither of us had to say a word. It was almost like we were reading each other's minds. We set the finished plates aside as everyone applauded.

"Impressive," Troy's Granddad praised, clapping his hand. "You two showed outstanding teamwork on the court, but that was another level. It was like you were reading each other's minds or something."

Javier and I smiled at each other, "Thank you," We simultaneously stated.

Aspen tilted her head up to look at Troy. "Troy Gabby's sitting on Javy's lap like how I sit on your and everyone else's lap. Does that mean they love each other?"

The words stung Troy hard. Troy forced the corners of his lips up a little into a barely noticeable smile. I could see the strain on his face as he struggled to admit what he knew was true.

I decided to give him a hand and put him out of his misery. You're very observant, Aspen, and you're right. We do love each other as much as you love your brother and everyone else in your family."

Aspen giggled with a bright smile, "Then you must love each other a whole lot, like this much," She spread her arms as wide as she could, "That's how much I love my family."

I chuckled with a nod, "That's a lot of love you have for them, and they are lucky. Want to know how I love my family?"

Aspen bobbed her head excitedly. "Yes."

I smiled, pointing up to the sky. Aspen looked up, and her brow furrowed. "The sky," She asked, "How does that show how much you love your family?"

I shook my head with an amused smile, "Nope, I'm talking about the stars in the sky. It's daytime now, so it's too sunny to see them. But at night, when I watch all the stars sparkle, I'm reminded of how all those stars are a symbol of how much I love my family."

Aspen's eyes widen, "Wow, that's a lot. There must be a gazillion of them in the sky. Do you love Javy that much too?"

I could see the fear of the answer in Troy's eyes. If only he knew the truth.

Troy's Gram Gram, on the other hand, wasn't so afraid. Curiosity sparked in her as she kept her eye on me. It was like she wanted to hear my answer. She was listening to every word I said with her ears and heart.

I chuckled, "I sure do, and he loves me even more than that."

She turned to Javier, "You love Gabby that much?"

Javier nodded. "Absolutely."

Aspen scrunched her nose as she studied Javier. "If Gabby loves you more than all the stars in the sky, how much do you love her?"

"I love Elly more than all the stars and people on Earth added together."

"Whoa," Aspen gasped, "That's more than any number they taught us in school."

We all laughed, and Troy pulled his sister closer to him. Aspen went into another laughing fit, and for a brief moment, I felt like I was looking at Javier and me. In a way, I was looking at Javier and me-at least an almost exact replica of our relationship. I had forgotten how much Troy and his sister reminded me of my relationship with my siblings, especially Javier.

When Aspen stopped laughing, she looked hard at me. It almost felt like she was trying to figure something out. "Aspen, is there something you can't figure out?"

She stared at me for another second before letting out a frustrated sigh, "I can't figure out where I've seen you before."

"Oh, Troy and I used to hang out all the time when you were about Skylar's age. That's probably when you've seen me."

She shook her head, "Nah, that's not it. I'm sure I saw you just the other day."

We all exchanged confused looks. There was no way Aspen could have seen me in the last three years, could she? Until yesterday Troy hadn't talked in three years.

Lucy reached a handout and took Aspen's hand, "Sweetheart, you probably thought you saw Gabby. We haven't seen or talked to Gabby in three years."

Aspen scrunched her face. Turning to me, she tilted her head. "But it wasn't a dream. It was real, and I'm sure it was Gabby."

"Well, Aspen, when I want to remember something. I retrace my steps," Javier suggested, "Maybe you'd like to try."

"How do I do that?"

"It's easy," Javier instructed, "Just close your eyes and relax. Think back to the day you want to remember. Think about everything that happened that day. What you were wearing, doing, think about everything. Because it all helps."

Aspen nodded and blew out a huge breath. Closing her eyes, she let her entire body relax into Troy's arms. Her eyes twitched as she focused.

"OK, I remember I was not having one of my better days and got really upset because we went to a different library for storytime than Lulu. Halfway through storytime, I started getting really cranky, and we went home after I threatened to punch Sky."

My jaw dropped, and I gave Troy a puzzled look. Troy shook his head at me. I knew we were going to have to talk later.

"Maybe you thought you saw her at the library," Madyson suggested.

Aspen kept her eyes shut as she scrunched her face with a shake of her head. "No, I'm sure no one at the library looked like her."

Javier prompted Aspen to continue, "OK, so what happened after you got home?"

Aspen's brows furrowed as she thought. "Well, I fell asleep on the way home. When I woke up, I remember feeling hungry. I went downstairs and couldn't find anyone, so I went back upstairs. I tried calling for someone while searching upstairs, but no one answered. So I thought I was home alone. Then I…..I…."

Aspen stopped and opened her eyes. She turned to give Troy a bear hug. "A, what was that for?"

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. "Because you were sad. Really sad. She's the girl in your room, and when you see her, you feel sad. That must be why you're feeling sad now."

Lightbulbs went off around the table as heads started dropping and expressions fell. Javier and I were the only ones still trying to understand what Aspen was saying.

I turned to Troy for an explanation. "What is Aspen talking about?"

"Your picture on my nightstand," He replied, "I still look at it a lot because as many bad memories it brings, there are even more good ones."

I shut my eyes when waves of emotions slammed into me. It made breathing hard, if not impossible. I excused myself before I lost control and headed inside. I was so lost I didn't notice that Javier was right behind me.

Javier wrapped me in his arms, and I let my tears fall. "Better," He asked when I stopped. "I'm all ears if you want to talk."

I hiccuped, taking the tissue he handed me. "I knew I was hurting him, but I didn't know…."

"It was that bad," He finished, pulling me closer.

I frowned. "I don't know how I'm going to fix this."

"Being his friend is always a great place to start," Rowan answered, sitting down beside me.

I took my little girl and sat her on my lap. Sensing that I could use a hug, she stood on her legs and wrapped her arms around me. "Be happy, Mommy."

"Oh," I squeezed her back, "You give the best hugs."

A chorus of 'Awes' escapes us when Truett reaches over for a hug and kisses me on the cheek with a loud smack. I couldn't not smile. It was enough to melt my heart.

"Well, it looks like the kids have the right idea," Javier stated with a laugh. "Listen, you feel like you made a mistake, which happens to everyone. Rosie and I go to bed every night feeling like we made a zillion mistakes, wondering if we did what was best for True. But at the end of the day, what happened happened, and there's nothing we can do. What we can do is look forward to a new day and a new chance to try to make amends for our mistakes. It's not our mistakes that matter so much as what we do about them."

I slowly let Javier's words sink in. There was nothing I could do about how much I'd already hurt Troy, but maybe there was something I could do about the future. Then at least, perhaps he could be happier in the future, and finally, we could both move on.

Just like how it's supposed to be.