Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 75656 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75656 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Except there’s about to be miles and miles between us.
Fuck me. My heart aches.
“I love you, Scarlett,” I pant as I press my lips to her forehead.
Please stay.
“I love you too.”
Cautiously, I roll to the side, careful not to crush her. My legs shake as I move to the bathroom to get a wet washcloth to clean her up. Once I have her taken care of, I slide beneath the covers and hold my heart in my hands as I start to count down the days until this will no longer be possible.
CHAPTER
TWENTY
Scarlett
How is it possible that my heart is full and cracking at the same time? When Archer told me we had plans tonight, I told him I just wanted to stay in. I craved being wrapped in his arms until the last possible second.
Just like I have the last four weeks.
He said that he promised Palmer we would stop by. I said goodbye to her on Wednesday this week. Archer goes back to work on Monday, so we’ve been glued to each other’s side since Wednesday afternoon. I packed up all of my belongings and turned in the keys to my rental. My bags are in my car. Everything except for what I’ve needed the past few days. I’ll pack the last few items up in the morning before I head out of town.
I didn’t expect his entire family to be here. I didn’t expect the “We’ll Miss You, Scarlett” banner, the food, the chocolate cake, and the cards and gifts. It’s all too much. It’s so much that my heart is bursting with happiness and love for these incredible humans who have become a huge part of my heart.
Then there’s the hurt.
It’s not just Archer I’m going to miss, although he’s at the very top of that list. I’ve become close to his entire family, and Palmer, she’s the closest, bestest friend I’ve ever had. I know she has Ramsey and her sisters-in-law, but she’s mine, and leaving her hurts almost as much as leaving Archer.
“Scarlett.” I feel a hand on my arm, and I look over to see Carol Kincaid smiling softly. “How are you, dear?”
Just the kindness in her voice has tears welling in my eyes. I shake my head, and she wraps me in a hug. It’s been years since I’ve had the embrace of my mother, and I miss her every day, but at this moment, that pain slices through me. I latch on to Carol and hug her back as if my life depends on it.
She holds me.
I hold her.
Silent tears coat my cheeks, and I’m suddenly embarrassed. I pull back. “I’m sorry.”
“Sweetheart, you have nothing to be sorry for.” She offers me a tissue. Just like a momma, always prepared.
“I need you to know that I love him. With everything inside of me, I love your son.”
She nods. “I know you do. He loves you too.”
This time it’s my turn to nod. The love between us is strong, and we don’t bother to hide it. “I’m going to miss everyone. Not just Archer. Thank you for always welcoming me into your home.”
“You’re in my son's heart. My home will always be open to you.”
My chin wobbles as I fight the battle with my tears. “Thank you.”
“You know they’re proud of you, right?”
I turn to look at her. Not exactly sure who she’s talking about. The room is full, so it’s hard to tell who she’s referring to. She must see the question on my face, and her eyes soften.
“Your parents, Scarlett. They would be proud of the woman that you are. They would be happy to know that you’re chasing your dreams.”
“You think?” I ask, barely able to get the question out.
“I know so.” She looks to the side, scanning the room. “You know, as a parent, all you want is for your children to be happy. You want them to have a career where they can support themselves and their family, and you want them to fall in love and start that family. That’s really all we want. We don’t care what that looks like. There are no expectations. Just happiness and love.”
“They would have loved him. Truly.” I wipe at my cheeks. “I can see him watching the game with my dad on Sundays having a beer, and helping my mom reach something on the top shelf. I wish so badly they could have met him.”
“Family is what you make it. My sister, she’s… well, she’s not the best parent. She stood by while her daughter was beaten down by words and eventually fists.”
“Ramsey?” I ask. I’ve heard a little of her story.
“Yeah. That girl, she’s one of us. She had a plan for her life, one that was made for her, the expectations of her parents, but it wasn’t what she wanted. She came to us, and we loved her through her transition. Now—” Carol clears her throat. “—she’s the happiest I’ve ever seen her.”