Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 78576 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78576 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Uncle Joe and Brock got that shut down a couple of months ago, and Brittany is now in a mental health hospital under constant supervision.
But there are still unanswered questions about her involvement. And about Pat Lamone, who was her boyfriend for many years.
Still more answers to our questions died with Wendy Madigan.
I take a shower and dress in jeans and a white button-down with brown ostrich cowboy boots. I miss my dog, Gary. He’s still at Mom and Dad’s. They’re taking care of him along with their dogs. Now that I’m back, I want Gary with me. I’ll grab him later today.
I itch to call Maddie, see how she’s doing. It’s about a ten-minute walk from the guesthouse to Mom and Dad’s house. I’ll give her a call on the way.
It’s a brisk late January day, so I put on a quarter zip and a beanie hat before I head out. I dial Maddie.
“Hello?” She sounds sleepy.
“Hey, it’s me. Just wanted to check in on you. Did you sleep okay?”
“Tossed and turned a little. But I eventually got to sleep. Have you found out what the big deal is yet?”
“No, not yet. I’m on my way over to Mom and Dad’s house, and I’ll drive with them over to Uncle Joe’s.”
“Maybe your mom and dad will clue you in.”
“They’d better.”
“Just so you know, I don’t expect you to tell me anything.”
“That’ll depend on how serious it is and on whether the family wants to keep it just among ourselves at first. But you’ll no doubt find out about it anyway. I mean, three of my cousins are engaged to your siblings.”
“True.”
Is that a touch of resentment in her voice? I’m probably imagining it.
“I just wanted to check in on you. Can I see you later?”
“Yeah, if you have time. Just let me know when the stuff with your family is over.”
“Yeah, I’ll call or text you.”
“Sounds good.”
“Bye, Maddie.” I’m about to hang up, but I hold on a little longer. “I…”
“You what?”
“I can’t wait to see you later.”
“Yeah, me too. Bye.”
Those weren’t the words that wanted to come out of my mouth, but it’s way too soon for them.
I mean, really way too soon. I’ve known Maddie forever, but I’ve only truly known her for less than a week.
I walk the rest of the way to my parents’ house, and a panting Gary meets me, wagging his tail and jumping on my chest.
“Hey, boy. I missed you.”
He smothers me with dog kisses. I greet the rest of the menagerie and then head into the kitchen where I find my mother and father and my two sisters, Angie and Sage.
“I’m really sorry to ruin your vacation, son,” Dad says.
“I know you wouldn’t do it if it weren’t important.”
He nods gravely. “No. Joe wouldn’t even tell Mom and me what’s going on.”
My stomach drops. “You’re kidding, right? You and Uncle Joe have been friends forever.”
“I know.” His voice is solemn.
“Where’s Henry?” I ask.
“He’s going to meet us there.”
Talk about a full house.
For parties, we usually gather at Uncle Talon and Aunt Jade’s. They have the largest ranch house. But for business, it’s Uncle Joe and Aunt Melanie’s. They have the largest single room on the east wing of their house, and inside is a massive conference table.
Uncle Joe sits at the head of the table, flanked by Uncle Talon, Uncle Ryan, and my father. The Steel brothers and my dad, their honorary member.
The rest of us are interspersed around the table, including my new aunt, Lauren Wingdam, and her sons, Jack Murphy and Pat Lamone.
I sigh. Well, Pat is a Steel, and we have to deal with that.
I look around.
I can’t believe everyone is here.
Uncle Joe and Aunt Melanie, and their sons, Bradley and Brock.
Uncle Talon and Aunt Jade, along with Dale and his wife Ashley, Donny and his fiancée Callie, Diana, and Brianna.
Uncle Ryan and Aunt Ruby, along with Ava and her fiancé, Brendan Murphy, and Gina.
And of course my mom and dad, Bryce and Marjorie Simpson, my brother, Henry, and my sisters, Angie and Sage.
And the newest Steels, Aunt Lauren, Jack, and Pat.
Diana gazes down at the table, deliberately not looking at Pat.
I stand then, needing to speak. “Why is he even here?” I point to Pat. “Look at how this is upsetting Diana.”
“Like it or not,” Uncle Joe says, “he’s a member of the Steel family, Dave. He’s your Aunt Lauren’s son.”
“And grandson of Bradford Steel,” Uncle Talon adds, though he doesn’t sound happy about it.
How could he be? Diana is his daughter.
I cross my arms. “We’re just going to forget about everything he tried to do to Diana? To Callie and Rory?”
Pat rises. “I was a different person then. I can give you all a bunch of excuses about my upbringing, but I won’t do that. I won’t waste your time. I’m deeply sorry for all the pain I caused this family”—he looks at Callie—“and your family as well.”