Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 88841 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 355(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88841 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 355(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
“It does,” I agree.
I was supposed to work at the office today, but I took off to spend the day with Violet for her birthday. We’re planning a barbeque this weekend, but since today is her actual birthday, I wanted to be here to make it special.
“Mommy and Addie are still asleep.” She shrugs. “Guess we gotta celebrate my birthday without them.”
I chuckle and glance at the time. It’s only six in the morning. She must’ve woken up early, excited for her birthday.
“I think your mom would be very sad if we celebrated your birthday without her, but since they’re asleep, what do you say we go to the doughnut shop and pick out your favorites for your birthday? And while we’re there, we can get some for them as well.”
“Yes!” Violet cheers.
After leaving a note for Kira, in case she wakes up while we’re gone, we take off to the doughnut shop in town. The entire way, Violet talks about how excited she is for school.
Since Kira gave me the green light to get her enrolled in the private school nearby, I’m planning on contacting them this week. The wait list is over two years long, but it’s nothing my last name, along with a generous donation, won’t take care of.
I used to be ashamed to use my last name, thinking it meant I accepted the shit my father had pulled, but then Gramps reminded me that my last name was his before it was my father’s and I deserved to use it just as much as my brother and father. I don’t use it often, but for Violet to attend the best school in our area, you can bet your ass I will.
When we arrive downtown, I find a parking spot and then take Violet’s hand in mine and walk us over to the doughnut shop. While we’re walking and she’s talking, something strange comes over me. I glance around, feeling like we’re being watched, but when I don’t see anyone, I chalk it up to paranoia.
It’s been five days since Brian was given the divorce papers, and we haven’t heard anything yet. He has thirty days to respond, and I wouldn’t put it past him to wait until the last second to do so. I have an ace up my sleeve that will force his hand, but I’m holding on to it until it’s needed.
We’re standing in the long line that wraps around the corner when Violet moves closer to me and stops talking. I glance down at her, and she looks nervous. My paternal instincts kick in, and I move her to the other side of me.
“You okay?” I murmur so only she can hear me.
“I think I saw Brian,” she whispers, her eyes wide with fear.
Normally, I’d assume she saw someone like him, but since Kira filed for divorce and he knows the major city we live near, I wouldn’t put it past him to find out exactly where she lives. I was hoping it would be harder for him to find them, but when you have money, you can make shit happen. I know that firsthand. Which is exactly why I hired security for the girls. Because I’m not taking any chances.
“Come here.”
I lift her into my arms, and she holds on to my neck like it’s a lifeline while I glance around, trying to find him. I’ve only seen a few pictures of him, but I made it a point to memorize what he looked like to be on the safe side.
“Do you still see him?” I ask a few minutes later.
Violet lifts her head and looks around, then shakes it.
Hopefully, she was wrong, and it wasn’t him that she saw, but I’m not taking a chance. So, until we’re inside, I carry her, and only once we’re in front of the counter do I put her down so she can pick out her doughnuts. We go with a dozen, plus chocolate milk for her and Addie, and once I’ve paid, we take our goodies home.
When we step inside, Kira is standing in the foyer with Addie on her hip and tons of balloons and presents waiting for Violet—and all thoughts of Brian are pushed aside.
“Are these all for me?” Violet shrieks.
“Yep,” Kira says, smiling at her daughter and then at me.
Last night, I insisted on picking up balloons for today. We talked about putting them in her room for when she woke up, but she woke up too early.
“Can I open the presents?” Violet asks.
“How about we eat breakfast first?” I suggest, knowing Kira will need coffee. “Then presents.”
“Okay! Addie, look what I got us.” Violet shows Addie her chocolate milk, and she squeals in delight.
We eat our breakfast, and then Violet opens her presents. Kira bought her a new bike that she’s been wanting as well as a cute vanity for her to put on her play makeup. She also got her some cute clothes and a couple of dolls.