Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 119(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 80(@300wpm)
“Let him get it out. He’s like a toddler that needs a good cry,” I say, and Luke snorts. Chloe digs her fingers into the back of my shirt, but I don’t give a fuck anymore. “You’re a spoiled little shit that’s been fed from the family tit far too fucking long. You’ve done this to the only people who ever truly cared about you, and you’re not even sorry.”
“You motherfu—”
“Shut the fuck up!” I shout, and the room goes dead silent. It’s not often I raise my voice, but I’m bigger and stronger than Paul, and even in his coked-out mind, he knows it. “You’ve got a chance to make this better. Your father is giving you the opportunity to do the right thing,” I tell him, and when he looks over at me, I can see some of the anger has faded. “Take it.”
Chloe steps out from behind me, and although I let her, I still tuck her into my side. “When you told me about the bet, I ran out on Sawyer,” she tells Paul. “You’ve always been so terrible to me.”
I’m shocked when Paul looks at her and then hangs his head in shame.
“You don’t deserve my forgiveness,” Chloe says softly and squeezes my hand for strength. “But there are big and wonderful things happening in our lives that mean more to me than holding a grudge. I hope you take this gift Bruce is giving you so that you don’t lose the chance to be a part of them.”
I put my arm around Chloe and kiss the top of her head as I lead us out of the office. Whatever is going to happen isn’t our decision or our business, and we don’t need to be here to witness it.
She said what she needed to, and so did I. There are no more secrets or half-truths between us, and the most important thing is protecting our peace and our babies.
Chapter Fifteen
CHLOE
We stand silently in the entryway as Paul gets into the waiting vehicle, thankful he made the right choice. As mad as I am at him, I still want him to get help. This could be a good thing because he holds so much hate and anger inside of him.
“I suppose the wedding is off,” Luke says, breaking the long silence.
Kelly flinches, and I didn’t miss that she didn’t hug Paul goodbye. Instead, she stepped away from him awkwardly before moving to the side.
“Luke,” I hiss and then glare at him.
“What?” He shrugs. “Probably for the best.”
It’s not that I think he’s wrong, but is this really the time for that? He has a way of adding his two cents on everything.
“It’s postponed,” my mom says, and I can tell she’s trying to lighten the blow.
“I ah...” Kelly wrings her fingers together. “I don’t know, but I should probably leave.”
“You don’t have to go,” I say when seeing the sadness in her eyes. I can’t imagine what she’s going through right now. The last thing I want to do is send her off all alone.
“I really should. There are some things I need to take care of.”
“Oh, honey, don’t worry about the wedding. I’ll call everyone and let them know it’s off for the time being.”
“Um...” Kelly shakes her head. “There’s still some things I need to do. I need to grab my bag.”
Maybe this is all really affecting her, but I get the feeling canceling the wedding isn’t what she’s referring to.
When I look up at Sawyer, he releases his hold on me so I can follow after Kelly. I could see the tears in her eyes, and although we’re not close I want to make sure she’s all right.
“Hey,” I say when I follow her into the formal sitting room. Kelly slips on her jacket before grabbing her purse. “I’m sorry about today, but this can be a good thing. After Paul gets healthy, then you can be together.”
“We’re not going to be together.”
“Okay, that’s your choice, but love can—”
“It’s not love.” She lets out a humorless laugh, and it catches me off guard. “Sorry. It’s ah, well. Never mind.” Kelly shakes her head. “It doesn’t matter. Thank you for all you did. I’m really sorry I’ve wasted everyone's time.”
“You didn’t waste my time. I enjoyed our time together.” I really did.
The truth is, I’ve always wondered how she ended up with Paul. I thought maybe she was a bit too naïve and sweet, and that’s how he pulled the wool over her eyes. I assumed he tricked her into it somehow.
“Thanks,” she says again, but before she can go, I grab her hand.
“You can always call me.”
Kelly gives me a watery smile but nods. “I appreciate that.”
“I’m guessing you need a lift?” Luke says when we return. Everyone is still standing in the entryway.