Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
For a second earlier, I’d feared she was my replacement. But kindness radiated off the woman like her name. “No. It’s not my kitchen. I wouldn’t know where to find things. It’s better if you stay.”
Her smile grew some, and we got to work after washing our hands. When the cookies were put into the oven, Mitchell, who’d drifted in and out of the kitchen, turned on the TV in the den. It was one of those big-screen deals that was likely great for an at-home movie night. The news came on with a red “Breaking News” banner across the bottom.
“Sports is coming next, but first let’s talk about the news breaking out of Soturi,” the broadcaster was saying. Where had I heard that name before? “Word is the prince and heir to the throne of Soturi, Agan Soturi, has been found. The crown has yet to release a statement, but our sources are saying he was badly dehydrated. His fiancée was seen entering the hospital.”
Whatever else might have been said died in my ears. “Excuse me for a moment,” I said and made a break for the door I spotted in the kitchen. I didn’t think I’d make it out of the front door before I was sick.
The air was far cooler than the heat I’d experienced on the island, but my skin felt clammy as I darted out into the back. I raced as far from the door as I could before I began to retch into the bushes. I hadn’t eaten a thing, but dry heaving was just as horrible as the real deal.
I had a hand braced on the outer wall of the house when I heard the back door open and close. I didn’t look up.
“Avery would have come, but Zoe was upset. They know I’m a nurse and I told her I’d come out and check on you. You probably want to be alone, but please don’t make a liar out of me. I’m terrible at it.”
Sunshine. I could already tell the woman had a heart of gold. I hadn’t meant to scare Zoe. She’d been through enough. “I’m fine, but you can check.”
She approached slowly, like I was a wild animal, and maybe I was. I couldn’t keep a hold on my emotions, and I was better than that. Many years I’d had to grin and bear it when money was tight at best. There were meals I hadn’t eaten because I’d given my daughter something she needed more when money was tight. Then I’d held my emotions at bay and hadn’t cried about how hard things were until long after she’d gone to sleep. Now I had to pull it together.
Sunshine’s light touch landed on my head. She was checking for a fever. I’d done that many times to Zoe as she’d grown up. Then she strategically placed fingers on my wrist. I hadn’t done this before, but I guessed she was checking my pulse.
“No fever, but your heart is racing. It could be a panic attack,” she said.
I wanted to balk but didn’t. Hearing Agan was engaged had speared my heart more than finding out he was a prince. No wonder he’d used words like “duty” and “heir.” And he’d been certain his father would find him, which made even more sense now.
“Just slow, deep breaths and it will pass,” she said. I nodded at her. “And if you need to talk, I know you have Avery, but I’m here.”
“Thanks,” I said.
She turned, heading back for the door, when it opened.
“The cookies are ready,” Zoe said. “Mommy, are you okay?”
I plastered on that smile that I could always find for my daughter. “I am. I’m coming.”
Zoe smiled back and held open the door for Sunshine. She didn’t leave. So I forced away the hurt over Agan and went back to my daughter.
“I can’t wait to show you my room and my new school,” Zoe began. “And my pony…”
My heart might have stopped a little, but I kept my feelings to myself. Especially the part about her new school. Mitchell and I would have words. But for now, I’d keep the peace for my daughter’s sake.
Later that night, after a strange but enjoyable dinner with Mitchell, Sunshine, Avery and Zoe, I got Zoe ready for bed. Her room was grand, for sure, almost bigger than my trailer. It was the kind of room I’d dreamed of having as a little girl, with a big-girl bed, dresser, window seat, and dollhouse Nate had gotten her with space to spare. Mitchell had easily given her the life I couldn’t.
I brushed some hair from her forehead and kissed my little darling, who’d fallen asleep. Then I got up, eased out of the room, and headed out into the night.
It was dark, but the air was cool. I looked up to the sky and the smattering of stars that dazzled my mind. I felt like I’d stepped off a roller coaster. At least my thoughts were a jumbled mess until I spotted a man I could focus my rage on.