Don't Break My Heart (Return to Redemption, Book 6) by Laurie Kellogg

only think this is a crowd because you’re still single
with no kids,” Maggie pointed out. “When a mother leaves her baby home, it’s
nearly as good as being alone, no matter how many people are around.”
    “Amen,” the other women all agreed.
    Great. Trisha released a soft snort. With no one to share
the parenting responsibilities, that would be even more true for her.
    She would love to be able to continue her relationship with
Justin, but she’d already committed herself to the challenge of working
full-time while caring for a newborn.
    To take on any other responsibilities would not only burn
her out faster than a short matchstick, but it would be totally unfair to
Justin and Haley who needed more support than Trisha could offer at this
crossroad in her life.
    Between decorating a nursery, taking childbirth classes,
shopping for the baby, and actually giving birth, she had more than enough to
keep her busy for the foreseeable future.
    She must be crazy. What on earth had made her think becoming
a single mother was a good idea?

CHAPTER
6
    An active day on the slopes made the international buffet a
welcome addition—and not just because of the abundance of food served. The
quality and unique selections surpassed any multicultural feast Justin had ever
eaten.
    Despite how memorable the gourmet meal and trivia contest
were, the improvisational comedians that followed were the highlight of the
evening. Justin couldn’t remember the last time he’d laughed so hard.
    It turned out the residents of Redemption were master
hecklers, and the performers had risen to the challenge, returning the
audience’s zingers with witty comebacks.
    BJ had not only provided top-shelf entertainment for the
adults, he’d also kept the kids amused with a scavenger hunt, a teen movie
marathon, and a video game tournament on the I-pads they’d all received from
Santa at the wedding.
    When the final stand-up comedian finished his act, the fun
didn’t end. The teenagers rejoined the crowd in the lounge, and the DJ
coordinated the karaoke competition, during which Haley and Ryan both received
standing ovations.
    Afterward, his brother, Nick, glanced at his watch and
slanted a smile at Sam. “It’s after midnight. We can either dance for a while,
or I can take you back to our room and have my way with you. I’m too tired to
do both.”
    Without answering, she grabbed his hand and dragged him out
of his chair. “Good night, everyone. Justin, it’s your turn to tuck the girls
in for the night.”
    Justin shrugged and glanced at Trisha. “I guess that
eliminates dancing for me, too.”
    “That’s okay. I ate too much and am too tired to move,
anyway.” She looked beautiful in the soft lavender sweater and black slacks
she’d changed into for dinner.
    He stood and extended his hand to her. “Too tired to walk
Haley and Dani back to their room with me?”
    “I think I can handle that short stroll.”
    He pulled her out of her seat and murmured in her ear, “How
about something more energetic in your room?”
    She twined her pearl necklace around her finger and curled
her lips in a seductive smile. “You might be able to persuade me.”
    It took a lot longer to get the girls to leave than he hoped
it would. They’d had too much fun and ingested way too many sweets. Haley
chattered at a speed he’d once thought humanly impossible as she recounted
their evening during the trip back to their room. Jamal’s name came up more
often than Justin would’ve preferred. Haley had obviously developed a giant
crush on the boy, and hoped to see him after they got home.
    “Ryan told him his band needs a good roadie and sound board
technician. Jamal is thinkin’ about taking the job.”
    “Shhh!” Justin took their key and opened the girls’ door.
“Keep it down. Uncle Nick and Aunt Sam are trying to sleep next door.”
    Trisha smirked and fired a yeah, right look at him. The low chuckles filtering through the
connecting hotel door