Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 84250 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84250 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
"Walker is one of the kindest men I've ever dated. I understand that you want to demonize him, and I know that has a lot to do with who Hux was."
Nora swallows, shifting uncomfortably in her seat, but I can't stop now.
"Hux was wild. We met at the bar I worked at in El Paso. He was there every chance he got. He'd drink until he couldn't walk some nights. On other nights, he was leaving with women he didn't even know. I left with him one night. The man had a carefree charm about him that most of us couldn't resist. He was so comfortable in that bar, it told me that he was probably comfortable in every bar, including the one Walker owns. Hux's drinking isn't the fault of the bartender and you need to stop putting your blame on him."
"We—"
I hold my hand up to silence her. “You know the role you played in the man Hux was, and I’m not saying that to point fingers and lay blame at your feet. There’s no point to it. What I will say is that Larkin’s upbringing will be different. She’s not going to be spoiled and not be made responsible for things, including her own choices. If you plan to interfere with the way I raise her, then speak up now because I won't tolerate it at all."
I lower my voice.
"Nor will I allow you to speak ill of me behind my back and that includes talking poorly about the man I'm dating. Hux left all of his money to a wombat reserve because he was angry with you. He also left me in a mountain of debt because he was never taught that sometimes you just have to say no to the things you want in life until you work hard and save enough money to get them."
"We'll repay—"
"I don't want your money. I never wanted that. I came to town so Larkin could know her family."
Actually, that's not a hundred percent true. I needed the help both emotionally and financially when I got to town only to be snubbed. Pride stepped in after that, although I was in no position at the time to turn down free childcare when I had to go back to work after maternity leave.
"I guess what Walker said earlier was true," Nora mutters, earning another cleared throat from Leo.
I pull in a deep breath, knowing I'm going to have to deal with Walker going around town and trying to be my champion, but I'm not exactly angry with him about it right now.
"Give me a call when you want to see Larkin," I say as I stand.
"She could stay," Nora says. "I made—"
"We've made dinner plans," I tell her as I stand and look over at my little girl. "You ready to go?"
"Pwetty tree!" she says, rushing to put her toys away before scurrying in my direction.
"Can we see her for Christmas?"
"I'm sure I can swing her by for a little while."
"The offer includes you," Leo says, wincing in pain when he stands. "We always have a big juicy ham and lots of sides. It was Huxley's favorite meal of the year."
"Let me know what time, and we'll be here," I tell him, noticing just how frail the man looks.
I want to pry and ask how sick he is, but it's not my place.
I stop before I make it to the front door and turn back to look at them.
"She doesn't have any plans on Saturday and I have the vet clinic."
"We'd love to visit with her," Nora says in a rush, her eyes bright and happy at the offer.
I dip my head in a nod and get Larkin into the car.
I have one more man to speak with. Although my plans to do just that will have to wait until after my clinic hours on Saturday, I realize when I pull up in front of my duplex that my hand has been forced because the man in question is sitting in a rocking chair that wasn't there this morning on my front porch.
Chapter 39
Walker
Claire doesn't exactly look like an angry raging bull as she climbs out of the car. I stay seated on the front porch, wondering if Corbin's grandma will be mad when she realizes I borrowed her rocking chair. Probably not. That woman loves me. Most older people do, with the exception of Nora Kennedy, of course.
She pulls Larkin from the car seat and the little girl runs in my direction while Claire works on getting the rest of her things from the car.
"Walkey!" she says, running in my direction.
Her smile is wide, her cheeks pink as her blonde curls fly in the breeze.
"Saw Ganny and PopPop!"
"Did you?" I ask, looking up at Claire as she approaches.
I stand when Larkin grabs my hand and grunts as she tries to pull me out of the chair.