Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 92519 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 463(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92519 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 463(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
She also had no doubt that Rosalie would suffer the consequences. There was something about the young woman that made Kim very protective of her. Maybe it was losing her own daughter and she wanted to take care of her. Her natural mothering instinct came forward and refused to be kept asleep.
“I know we can’t stop, but is there some way you can have Colt, or us, protect her?”
“She’ll be part of the club, Kim. You know the rules of the club. We’ll protect her.”
“Everyone hates Daemon, you know this. She’s his child. They’ll hate her as well.”
“It’ll be tough, and there’s nothing I can do about it. I can demand the boys treat her nicely, and that is what I’ll do, for you,” Warden said. He patted the bed. “Stop pacing, babe. Everything will be fine.”
Kim moved toward the bed. “I’m going to head to their house tomorrow. I want to start preparations for the wedding.”
“I know that look. It’s going to cost us money, isn’t it?”
“Our son is getting married. We cannot spare any expense.”
Her husband groaned but she honestly didn’t care. This would be an amazing wedding and she’d use the time to get to know Rosalie as well as her mother.
****
Mondays were always busy at the diner. Rosalie glanced in the mirror to check her reflection. Her uniform was buttoned up close to her neck, the skirt rode up a little too high for her taste. The boss, Al, wouldn’t spend money on a new uniform. She also believed he got a kick out of trying to see her panties.
The doorbell rang and Rosalie frowned. There was no way Petal could be early.
“I’ll get it, honey,” her mother called out.
She pulled her black hair up into a ponytail and then made her way toward the stairs, only to freeze when she caught sight of Kim, the mother from last night.
Gabrielle looked up toward her. “Er, honey, there’s someone here to see you.”
She saw the nerves her mother tried to hide. Gabrielle had already let go of the door so no one saw her arms shaking. This constantly upset her. Rushing downstairs, she stepped to her mother’s side, politely closing the door.
Kim looked at Rosalie and then at her mother.
“I didn’t think we’d arranged to meet,” Rosalie said.
“Oh, we didn’t. Your father gave me your address when I mentioned I wanted to get started on wedding preparations as soon as possible. We don’t have a lot of time to get everything organized.”
Rosalie then noticed the large man behind Kim. “He goes,” Rosalie said.
“Oh, don’t mind Myth. He’s like my personal bodyguard. It’s part of being the old lady of the prez.”
“I don’t care,” Rosalie said. “He goes.”
“It’s okay, sweetheart,” Gabrielle said.
“Mom, he doesn’t have to be here.”
“Daemon’s not here?” Kim asked.
She wrapped an arm around her mother. “No, he’s not.”
“Who would like a drink?” Gabrielle asked. “I’ve also made a ton of cupcakes. You’ll have to take some with you. Wedding preparations, you say?”
Rosalie took a deep breath. This was her mother taking charge. She had promised to be there for her, to be stronger. She didn’t need her mother to be stronger. She needed her to just be her. Rosalie would do what it took to make her mother happy.
Gabrielle had already left them in the hallway. She glared at Myth.
“If you don’t feel safe coming here, then don’t come,” Rosalie said.
“Your mother’s afraid around … men?”
Rosalie opened her mouth then closed it. “He keeps his distance while you’re here.”
She didn’t want to start screaming at the woman to see fucking sense. Even in the short time in that office, Rosalie had known she stuck out like a sore fucking thumb. Rushing toward the kitchen, she saw her mother had already gotten the bread into the toaster.
“Are you okay?”
Gabrielle smiled. “Me, okay? Of course.” She moved toward her side and gave her a hug. “I’m the mom, remember? I take care of you. Always.”
There was another hug, stronger this time, but Rosalie wasn’t quite convinced.
Kim entered the kitchen. She finally noticed the woman held a thick file in her hands.
“So, wedding details. Rosalie didn’t tell me that anything needed to be arranged.”
“Oh, well, Rosalie insisted on a church wedding. She wanted you to make your dream wedding for your daughter,” Kim said.
Picking up the slice of toast, she stood, one arm folded across her stomach, the other holding a piece of toast to her lips. She watched the two women.
Kim was the complete opposite of her mother—so confident, so happy. She was dressed in leather pants, a tight-fitting vest, and a leather jacket. She wore a couple of bangles on her wrist, as well as several chains around her neck. She also noticed the large diamond ring on her finger.
“Rosalie, do you want some input on your dress?” Kim asked.