Page 28 of Peach

Harry shook his head. “I don’t know why he went to Colombia searching for a missing woman. I’m sorry that something happened to him.”

"Thanks, man. It sucks."

“We’re here for you.”

“Thanks. I couldn’t make it without you guys.”

“Yeah. We’re all interested in getting to know Haisley better.”

Peach blew out a breath, unsure exactly how he was going to reconcile his feelings for her. His vow that he would never settle down was being chipped away, and Haisley had only been in California for a few days. He'd only known her for a week.

What was wrong with him? Deep in the recesses of his mind, he was thinking of ways to make her happy. That wasn't anything he'd ever thought about for any of the women he'd dated. He wasn't a total jerk, but he didn't care if they were happy or not. But he wanted Haisley's life to be filled with goodness.

Chapter 20

Haisley wasupstairs with Rory and she wasn’t exactly sure why they were up there, but she figured it had something to do with Harry trying to comfort Peach about the death of his parents.

Rory smiled as she met her gaze. “Are you excited about the baby?”

Haisley shrugged. "For a moment downstairs, I thought maybe you knew. But I guess you don't."

Rory moved to stand in front of her and put her hands on Haisley's shoulders, staring directly into her eyes. Her expression was serious, and Haisley felt the weight of her stare and the moment.

“When I first met Harry, I was in a weird spot. I learned some stuff that would have destroyed some very powerful men. They abducted me and then sold me overseas. I lived in a compound long enough I thought I was going to die over there. I was punished because I wouldn’t obey. The man who owned the place did awful things to me. If I judged myself and my life on what that man did, I would be in the gutter every day.”

Haisley held her breath, unsure what to think. She hadn't even contemplated that Rory had lived through anything bad. She seemed so strong, holding her head high like she'd never been abused by a man.

"Now then, I want you to hear this from me, someone who was used by men as a sex toy. We aren't what other people do to us. I'm a strong, independent woman who won't bow to anyone. And you aren't what happened to you. No, I don't know the details, but I can guess because I know what I went through. Don't let them win. Hold your chin high. You didn't do anything wrong."

Tears streamed down her cheeks and the only thing that held her up was Rory’s arms. Ellen had said something similar to her, but it was hard to keep the message in her head.

“I don’t know how to feel like I have worth.”

Rory cupped her face. "We'll help. Also, maybe getting some counseling."

“I don’t think I can afford counseling.”

“Even a few sessions can help. And I’m sure you can find someone who will work with you.”

She sucked in a ragged breath. “I feel grateful for Peach helping.”

Rory’s eyebrows shot up. “Is that all you feel for him?”

She slapped her hands over her face. “Oh God, I’m so bad. I’m about to be a mother and I’m having these thoughts about Peach.”

Rory chuckled. “There’s no reason for you to feel shame or embarrassment. He’s very cute. You know, you could just give it time. You two have only known each other for a very short time.”

“Yeah, I just don’t want to mess up any chance I have with him.”

“You won’t. He’s not going anywhere, so you have time. I’m not saying you two will get together but take things slow and just be yourself. You may find that in an environment where you’re not living under threat, you can find happiness.”

“Happiness would be nice, but I’m not looking for a relationship.”

“I’m sure you aren’t. And that’s good. There’s nothing wrong with being by yourself. Before I met Harry, I really thought I would be alone. But he was exactly who I needed when I needed him.”

Haisley blew out a harsh breath. “I don’t know how to get past everything.”

"You don't have to do it all at once. Give yourself a break. Honestly, it will take months and months, and you're pregnant."