Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 98211 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 491(@200wpm)___ 393(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98211 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 491(@200wpm)___ 393(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
“Good. Dad made the right choice.”
“He did. Your father has always put a lot of thought into our anniversaries. You remember that when the time comes.”
“I learned from the best,” I tell her. It’s true. My dad is a quiet, stoic type. That is until it comes to me and my brother, Colton, or our mother. I can remember growing up, he had Colton and me help him surprise her for birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, and any other day he felt like she needed to be spoiled. One day when I have a wife, hell, a woman in my life at all, I’ll do whatever it takes to make her feel special. To make her feel loved.
“You did,” she says with a smile in her voice. “So, what else is new?”
“Nothing much. Gabby, Gwen’s sister, is staying here for a few weeks. She got an eviction notice and needed a place to stay.” It’s not a complete lie, just a small omission of the truth. She had other options, just none I was okay with.
“Harrison and Gwen wouldn’t let her stay there?” Mom asks, surprised.
“No, they were more than willing. Gabby is stubborn as hell and refused to impose on the newlywedded new parents. She was looking at that apartment building across from the jail.” I let that tidbit of information settle. “I offered for her to stay here until she found a decent place. It’s not like I don’t have the room, and I work so much, I’m hardly ever here.” Except for the fact, I’m already mentally switching my schedule so I can be here more. I want to be where she is.
“That’s true.” Mom sighs. “I worry about you, Chase. You work too much, and there is more to life than working.”
“I know that. It’s not forever. We just had a lot to get these new locations up and running. Harrison was getting married, again,” I add with a laugh. “And a baby on the way. Then all that sh-stuff with Gina. Things will slow down.”
“I hope so. Have you talked to Colt?” she asks.
“No. I’ve emailed him a few times. His replies are few and far between.”
“I worry,” she whispers.
My heart squeezes at the thought of something happening to my brother over there. This is his third deployment, and it never gets any easier. He was home about six months ago, for a week before he had to go back. It sucks, but that’s the path he’s chosen. We can’t do much else but hope and pray he makes it home safe.
“I do too. If I hear from him, I’ll let you know.”
“Thank you. Listen, your dad’s back, and we have dinner with the captain, so we need to get going. Love you, Chase.”
“Love you, son,” Dad calls from the background.
“Love you guys too. Have a good time. Enjoy yourselves.”
“We will. We’ll be home in a little over a week.”
“I’m a big boy, Mom,” I remind her. Something I feel as though I do more often than not. She then reminds me no matter how old I am, I’m still her baby and she’ll worry.
“I know that. Just wait until you’re a father. You’ll understand,” she says sassily.
“Bye.” I grin when she chuckles and hangs up the phone. I busy myself getting back to work on dinner. I told Gabby thirty minutes, and I’m behind. I get lost in cooking, something Mom made sure Colt and I both knew how to do. She also insisted we learn how to do laundry and clean up after ourselves. She used to say she was preparing us for our wives, and that one day said wives would thank her. She still says it actually. Just not as often.
I’m just plating up two large helpings when I hear Gabby behind me. “Can I help?” she offers.
“Nope. We’re good. Have a seat.” I place the plates side by side on the island. “All set for tomorrow?”
“Yeah, as much as I can be. I unpacked my toiletries, some nightclothes, and what I’m going to wear tomorrow. I’ll do the rest later. I’m just going to unpack enough to get me by the next couple of weeks. I don’t see the point in completely unpacking and then packing it all back up in a few weeks.”
She’s been here less than two hours, and already I’m dreading the day she moves out. Unless maybe I can change her mind. Do I want that? Am I ready for that? I turn to look at her as she takes her first bite. She closes her eyes and hums in satisfaction, making me instantly hard. That only ever happens with Gabby. So, yeah, I’m ready for it. I’m ready for that and so much more. I’ve danced around this attraction, these feelings I have for her, and I’m done with that.