Total pages in book: 185
Estimated words: 180510 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 903(@200wpm)___ 722(@250wpm)___ 602(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 180510 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 903(@200wpm)___ 722(@250wpm)___ 602(@300wpm)
“It was an accident. She’s fine.”
“But what if—”
“She’s fine,” he repeats.
I feel so dead inside, so I hand him the half-empty glass and collapse onto my side, easing my legs onto the bed. “I’m tired.”
“Then sleep, my love.” He kisses my cheek. “Dream of me. Dream of being legally bound to me forever.”
I attempt a smile because he’s trying so hard to lighten the mood. I’m walking death, and that sucks for everyone around me.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
It’s a miracle, and because of this miracle, I am a true believer today.
Today I’m marrying Josephine Watts. My heart feels full, overflowing really. Everything I didn’t dare to imagine is here in this church.
A daughter.
The woman I’ve loved since I was ten.
Family.
Friends.
A future.
It’s all right here.
“I’m proud of you, son,” Josie’s dad says to me as I straighten my tie in the mirror. “You’ve made something of yourself. You are a good man. And I can’t imagine anyone better for my daughter.” He blows out a long breath. “If your dad was here, he’d be proud of you too. He’d see that you are absolutely everything he never was. And I’m sad for you that he’s not here because I think you would have been the dominant influence in his life that he needed. I think he would have been a better man because of the man you’ve become.”
I don’t want to think about my dad today. However, hearing Chief Watts say those words to me means a lot. He’s reminding me why I always looked up to him over my own father. He is the better man.
“How are you feeling about the road ahead?” he asks. “Do you believe her? Do you believe she was that Winston Jeffries guy?”
“Yes.” I turn. “I …” I rub my forehead. “I don’t know how it’s possible to believe her, but I was there when she found those bodies. There is no other explanation. And here’s the thing … I will follow her down any rabbit hole, no matter how deep or how dark. If I didn’t love her and trust her, I wouldn’t be marrying her.”
Chief Watts nods several times before grinning. “She’s never been in better hands.”
I don’t know about that. If I was totally honest with him, I’d tell him I’m frightened out of my fucking mind that something is going to happen to her again on my watch. She’s in this position because something happened to her on my watch.
“Daddy?” Reagan peeks her head into the room.
“Hey, Button, let me see you.”
She closes the door behind her and runs to me.
I hunch down and hug her before holding her at arm’s length. “I have never seen a more beautiful girl.”
She twirls in a circle. God, I love this girl.
“Mommy went to get me a snack.”
“A snack, huh?” I stand straight.
“Uh-huh. I’m going to see Josie now.”
“Whoa, whoa, I don’t want you running around here by yourself. It’s not safe.”
“Because of bad people?” she asks.
Isaac gives me a look. It’s the don’t-lie-to-her look.
“Yes. Unfortunately, sometimes there are bad people. Probably not here, today, but you should still be safe.”
“But I want to see her.”
“Do you know where she is?”
She nods.
“You can go see her, but I want you to stay with her until your mom comes back with your snack. Okay?”
Reagan nods, her curls and ribbons bouncing with each dramatic tip of her chin.
“Love you, Button. You look beautiful.”
“Bye, Daddy!” She blows me a kiss with fishy lips.
This is the very best day of my life. Everything has come full circle.
“Do you think you and Josie will have kids together?”
I turn toward Isaac, hiding the confusion I feel from his question. Did she not tell her family that she can’t have kids? Did she never tell her parents that she didn’t want to have kids?
“I’m not sure it’s what she wants. And I have Reagan. My life is complete. Anything else would just be extra. So … one day at a time.” I find a believable smile. I’d have a dozen babies with Josie because it would mean a dozen more pieces of Josie walking the earth, gracing my life with giggles and fishy kisses.
There’s a knock at the door.
“Everyone dressed?” Savannah asks before opening the door a crack.
“You’re not allowed to see the father of the bride before the wedding,” Isaac says.
Savannah opens the door the rest of the way. “Is that so?”
Isaac saunters toward her, wrapping his arms around her waist, hands resting on her ass. If I said I’m not having a blow job flashback, I’d be lying.
“What’s that look for?” Savannah asks me when he releases her.
I realize I’m cringing and quickly correct my expression. “Nothing. Just …”
“Cold feet? Nerves? Your bride-to-be is stunning. Just …” Savannah gets tears in her eyes. “And Reagan couldn’t look more adorable. They’re having a private moment right now.”