Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 96733 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96733 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
“The love of what I do. The love of my family. The love of watching you follow your dreams. That’s become enough for me because I know I could never find another Pook.
“I was there when Jess was born, I was there when she took her first steps. I cheered almost as loud as Trev did during her graduation. Seeing you has brought back memories because you have her face, but I’m living, Cakes. I promise you I am.”
“I just wish there was more I could do,” I murmur.
“There is. Keep loving that stubborn cousin of mine. He’s been through a lot, and this happiness I see in his eyes make us all happy. I’ve always felt guilty, like all this was my fault.”
“How so?”
“If I wasn’t having a pity party, I would have been able to protect him. I would have been able to get him to listen to reason. She never would have gotten near him. Instead, I was drunk off my ass and can’t remember a darn thing about that night.”
He sighs. “What was that Pook used to say? Don’t live in the past because God is the only one who can do anything with it. Donna’s gone, and you’re finally in this house he built for you.
“Helping Trev out kept me going. Those kids gave me something to live for. All I want now is to see you and Trev have a happy ending. I’d give anything for that,” he says.
“I get why my sister loved you.”
He chuckles and finishes his tea. “I’m glad you do. I still ain’t figured that one out. All I know is I loved her more than the devil loves sin.”
A distant look comes to his eyes, but I don’t pry or push any further. I give him a hug and turn for the paperwork I ask him over to talk about. We all deal with our grief differently. Who am I to say his way is wrong?
Trevor
“Hey, Daddy,” Jess sings as she walks into the restaurant I’m waiting in.
I wanted to get her opinion on the ring before going home. She’s been running errands for Lynn, so we’re having dinner together.
“Hey, darlin’.”
I pull her into my embrace. She’s been so much happier now that she’s Matt, Maggie, and Elise’s assistant. Which technically makes her Lynn’s assistant.
I pull her chair so she can have a seat. Then I sit across from her and take a sip of my water. I haven’t been this nervous in years.
There’s a nagging voice in the back of my head telling me she’s going to say no again. I know that’s not true, but it’s been hard to shut that voice down. It would kill me if she rejected me again.
“What’s up, Daddy? Why are you sweating so much? What’s going on?”
I pick up my napkin and dab at my forehead. What if I picked the wrong ring? Maybe I should wait for the tour to be over before I ask.
“I’m going to propose to Lynn,” I blurt out.
“Oh my God. Really? Daddy, I’m so happy for you guys.
“Did you get the ring yet? When do you plan to propose? How are you going to do it? Can I help?”
“Slow down now. One thing at a time.” I chuckle.
I reach for the ring box and place it on the table. She snaps it up and opens the box. Her eyes grow wide then her mouth falls open.
“This is gorgeous. You did so good, Daddy. She’s going to love it.”
She hands the box back and I stare down at the ring. It’s an emerald cut diamond surrounded by diamonds mounted on a diamond band. It sparkles brilliantly in the lighting of the restaurant.
“It’s not too much?”
Jess giggles. “You’re so cute right now. She’s going to love it. It’s perfect.”
“Don’t laugh at me. I’ve never done this before,” I say.
She tilts her head and studies me. “You never bought Mama a ring? But she has that gawdy thing on her finger.”
“She bought that for herself. With my money of course,” I say and pull a sour face.
“Makes sense,” she mumbles. “Well, it’s perfect. When are you going to do it?”
“I was going to give it to her tonight.”
“Wait, tell me you planned something special for tonight as beautiful as that ring is. You can’t just say here, we’re getting married.”
I start to rub my temple. “I had planned to get down on one knee and ask.”
She groans. “Daddy, no. You can do better than that. Give me a week. I’ve got you. Let me look into a few things, and I’ll give you a few ideas to pick from. We’ll put something good together, I promise.”
“Thanks, Jess. I appreciate this.”
“It’s the least I can do.”
CHAPTER 37
Be My Forever
Lynn
“You’re not going to tell me what’s going on, are you?” I say to Matt as he drives.