Total pages in book: 16
Estimated words: 13829 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 69(@200wpm)___ 55(@250wpm)___ 46(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 13829 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 69(@200wpm)___ 55(@250wpm)___ 46(@300wpm)
“Seriously, Nona?” Sheepishly I look down because she is right, that was selfish.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.” I really didn’t but I can’t help feeling like she is abandoning me.
When I was eight years old our mother who was a junkie ran away with her dealer boyfriend and left me home alone for five nights. Luckily it was the week of Christmas break and my sister Missy, eighteen years old, came home, found me cold and hungry.
Due to her age she was able to get temporary custody as long as she quit school and got a job and could provide a nice place for us to live. She did just that. My sister became my mom, my lifeline, my everything.
I stopped believing in people and withdrew into myself. That was thirteen years ago and up until six months ago when my sister met Cooper, nothing had changed. But now everything is shifting. I don’t like change much but not only is my sister getting married, but in a week or two she will be moving with her husband on account of his new job.
Hearing her say she was leaving, moving somewhere I am not welcome, sent me into a tailspin.
“Okay I’m ready.” She looks at me, her face radiant and happy. I can see her new beginning reflected in her gaze and for a fleeting moment I feel jealous. I follow her out of the door hiding my own tears. Heart heavy and filled with a loneliness I know oh too well, I follow my sister to her destiny, while mine remains bleak.
One Week Later
“Hey. I was wondering when I would hear from you.” smiling at Rachel, I followed her inside of her home. It has been two weeks since the adoption event and I meant to reach out but I was busy with my sister.
“I am sorry. My sister was getting married and I had to help with the last minute details.”
“Oh that's awesome. So, will she and her husband stay in Charleston?” As expected the question brings on tears. Mortified, I begin to cry. I feel Rachel wrap her arms around me. “Oh Winona what’s wrong? Did I say something wrong?” I nod my head which is on her shoulder. “Sweet girl, tell me whats wrong.”
Wiping my face like a baby I refuse to meet her eyes but I do answer her because she has always been so nice to me and I don't want her worrying if I said something wrong. “My sister is moving out of state. I will be all alone..again.” God I feel pathetic but the pain is insurmountable or so it feels.
“I am sure she wouldn’t mind you going with her.” I try to smile at her optimism. She and her sisters came here together not wanting to be apart, so someone like her wouldn’t understand.
“Not Missy. She wants a fresh start. She is done looking out for me.” Not that I blame her. Rachel looks pensive for a second before speaking.
“What do you want?” I look up startled for a moment because no one has ever asked me that before. I don’t know how to respond to it. She sighs before grabbing my hand. “Listen, I wasn't going to say anything because frankly, I don’t know you well enough, but have you considered applying to our mail order ad?”
Shaking my head no, I continue to wipe my face. “I’ve heard of it.” I just never considered it an option for me.
“Well I can tell you from experience in this town the men are trustworthy.” As soon as she says it I feel seen. What would make her use that word of all things?
“I mean I can’t marry a stranger.”
“I know it sounds scary but my husband would never match you to someone he didn’t trust. If nothing else you will find someone to lean on, grow in trust and maybe some lust.” She wiggles her eyebrows making me smile. “But most of all you won’t be alone and you can find security and a community you can count on.” Wow. She sounds like a walking brochure. I have to admit it sounds amazing. But am I brave enough to do this? Besides, there is only one man I would consider this with and why in the world would he notice me?
Chapter One
Raylan
Present Day
I have been working or barely working for the last few hours. I noticed Lloyd busy, scurrying through the town early this morning and I can assume he might have some meetings throughout the day but something about the buzz in the air makes me think it is something else. In recent days he has matched my buddies Fletcher and Lewis, lucky son of a bitches. “Dr. Stets. Did you hear me?” My attention turns back to the lady sitting in my office with her pet turtle, so concerned about the fact he is not eating.