Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
“But I still don’t get it. Help me understand. Why did you both feel you couldn’t tell me?”
“At first, I wasn’t sure where things were going. Then you were busy with the wedding and then it was the house and the move. I didn’t want to take away from any of that.
“I was supposed to tell you… I was going to tell you. It just never felt like the right time. This isn’t on him. It was me. I think I was scared to tell the truth because it didn’t feel real.
“I was living in a fantasy. The trips, the way Josh made me feel, the bond with the children. I guess I was scared if I said something out loud, it would all disappear,” Shawna murmurs.
“It’s not all her fault. I had people in my ear and other things going on. We thought it best to keep you out of it.”
Skittles gasps and looks at Pit. “You knew.” Her lips tremble as she looks at her husband.
He holds his hands up. “I just found out they were married yesterday before Kelex arrived. That was the text I got.
“Remember, I know Vander and Bridge Lake’s business because of him.” He tilts his head toward Blake.
“He’s right. What I don’t want him to know, he doesn’t know,” Blake says.
Pit turns to him slowly and narrows his gaze. Blake may be telling the truth, but I know for sure there isn’t much he keeps from Pit. He was going to take over for me, after all.
Now, I’m not so sure. I may have blown that in one act of rage. Only time will tell.
“Maybe it’s time we call it a night. We’ve been at it all day and Pit still hasn’t found the answer we’re looking for. Emotions are high and I’m beat, so I know you all are,” Deacon says.
“He’s right,” Luke says.
“I know this feels like we were keeping this all from you, but we never intended to hurt you. Things happened so fast and so much had been going on. We wanted to protect you,” Shawna tries again.
“I agree with Deacon and Luke. Let’s call it a night. Shawna, you and Skittles can talk this out in private. I don’t think having us all here to hover will do any good,” Pit says.
Skittles shakes her head. “No, Shawna and Kelex need to go home to those babies. I can wait.”
“Are you sure?” I say, staring at her.
She lifts her gaze and gives me a weak smile. I return the smile, knowing she’ll be okay. This is a lot to process, and she’s been more emotional than usual.
“Yeah, I’m sure. You know how I feel, but you… you and I are going to have a talk tonight,” she says to Pit. “Good night, everyone. Get home safe.”
My smile widens. This is the other reason I know this will all work out. The reason I wanted Shawna to be honest with her.
Thank you. I mouth.
She gives a shrug of her shoulders and gets up to leave. Pit looks at me and frowns. We both knew this day was coming. I don’t envy him.
Shawna
We walk into the house and I’m so tired I could pass out right here and now. My emotions are everywhere. Josh was right. I shouldn’t have held the truth back.
“You guys hungry?” True asks as he comes into the foyer.
“I could eat,” Josh says. He then looks at me. “You?”
I shrug. I’m not particularly hungry, but I miss the kids. I want to spend some time with them before I call it a night.
Vernice comes running to wrap her arms around Josh’s waist. He rubs a hand over her hair and rubs her back with his other hand. “Hey, princess.”
“I missed you guys,” she says, moving to wrap me in her embrace.
“Did you get your lessons done?”
“Oh, we going there already? Um, J, did your phone just ring? I think you guys need to handle some business or something. Yeah, look at that. Good to see you. Later.”
I wrap my arms around her to keep her from taking off. Vernice is the cutest, smartest, most charismatic ten-year-old I know. I love this little girl so much and her bond with Josh is so heartwarming.
“Come on, I’ll help you before we have dinner. I don’t see why you always put things off when it only takes you a second to do them. You can’t keep this up at your new school,” Josh says.
Vernice pouts. “Why am I going to that place anyway? I like traveling with you.”
“Now that Shawna will be here, you guys don’t have to tag along with me all the time. You can stay home in your own beds and start having some type of normalcy.”
“J, there’s nothing normal about anyone around here. I’m ten and I’ve seen more places than most of the adults at that school. I’m more cultured, have better comprehension, and I’m sure I know more. It’s a waste of time and money if you ask me.”