Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 20653 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 103(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20653 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 103(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
I shake my head. “Cloth is fine, really. You’ve already done so much.”
“As for you,” his mother adds. “I think maybe some of my daughters Fig and Lemon’s old clothes will fit you. Or at least well enough until you can get your own.”
“Thank you so much. I don’t know what to say.”
“Thank you’s more than enough, sweeheart. I just hope you two can get some much-needed rest tonight. I know you have had the worst possible day.”
We enter the guest room. There’s a portable crib all laid out and ready, as well as a made up full-sized bed. Stacks of clothes sit on a dresser for Lucy, and a bathrobe is hanging off the door. There’s even a little fireplace to help keep the room warm.
The Roughs are proving themselves to be five-star hosts, and the exact opposite of their namesake.
“Go on. Get cleaned up, I’ll look after your darling while you’re in there.”
“Thank you,” I say, echoing myself for what feels like the millionth time.
I head into the bathroom. I strip down and do as they suggest, because a shower sounds really good. As hot water is rolling down my body and I wash my hair and body, I’m drawn to a distant emotion.
Jealousy.
Julia and I grew up in a broken home. Our mother tried so hard to keep us housed and fed that we never even noticed that she was killing herself trying to cope with it all until she finally couldn’t do it anymore. None of her family ever lifted a finger to help her and our father was someone like Marcus, someone who didn’t deserve the title.
So we only had one another. No real family, and yet, here’s Graham. He has it all. Loving parents who will do anything to help, opening their hearts, going out of their way to be helpful and take care of people they barely know. I don’t deserve any of this, but Graham is being one hell of a man.
I can’t help but think of how handsome he is. And wonder if he feels the same about me, or if I’m just a girl with a baby, so some natural alpha male thing kicked in for him to protect me.
I’ve had guys interested in me here and there, but none of them have ever been like Graham in any way. Most of them were drunkards who just wanted to use me to make themselves feel better.
Refreshed but still utterly exhausted, I step out of the shower and begin to brush my hair. My mind is still filled with worry and frustration, about what’s next, about my sister, and about how this will affect Lucy. I return to my room, and see that Lucy is already sleeping away peacefully. She looks to have been bathed too – Graham’s mother is an absolute saint. I didn’t hear any crying even, that veteran mother’s touch taking her so very far.
I faceplant into the bed, and fall asleep almost immediately. Turns out running for your life and crying your heart out is tiring. Who knew?
I have no idea how long I was out for. The clock on the wall says eight in the morning when I awake, but I didn’t check it before I fell asleep. I open my eyes and look toward the crib.
Graham is there. He’s holding and rocking Lucy. I hear her laughing. “You’re a little sweetheart aren’t you?” he says.
I lie still, watching with a smile on my face, glad to see my niece adapting so well.
“You know you’re going to grow up to be just as beautiful as your mother,” he continues, unaware I’m awake.
I can’t help but blush, knowing that he means me.
I must have made the bed creak because he turns around. “Good morning, Tallie.”
“Good morning,” I reply.
“It’s still pretty early. You can keep sleeping if you want, there’s no rush for you to get up.”
I sigh, then realize how tired I still am. “Thank you,” I say, as I turn and plant my face back in the pillows, and am quickly asleep again.
I know I can put my trust safely in Graham. After everything that’s happened, that feeling is an absolute blessing.
5
GRAHAM
There’s a knock on the door, and I put the baby back down, covering her up. I head over to answer and see Lemon on the other side carrying two donut boxes with coffee cups resting on them, and more bags dangling from her hands too. I’m wondering how the hell she even managed to knock on the door.
“Jesus, Lem, are you trying to feed an army or something?” I say as I take the bags from her and let her in.
“I got a bunch of things. I don’t know what this girl likes, and I figure you can take any leftovers to the shelter when you’re done.”