Total pages in book: 133
Estimated words: 132332 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 662(@200wpm)___ 529(@250wpm)___ 441(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132332 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 662(@200wpm)___ 529(@250wpm)___ 441(@300wpm)
My skin tingles from his touch. “I am.”
As we’re finishing dinner, Heidi leans into me. “Hang onto my brother for a second, will you?”
“Huh?” I grab my napkin and dab my mouth, but she’s already standing and tapping her fork against a glass.
Shelby slides down in her chair until just her chin’s above the table. Poor thing must be bracing herself for more teasing. I try to give her a reassuring smile but her gaze is focused on her plate.
The chatter at the table barely dies down.
“Fuckers,” Murphy grumbles. He stands and slaps his hands together. “Settle the fuck down. My wife has news to share.”
My lips twitch at the proud note in his voice when he says my wife. Their wedding wasn’t the perfect event they’d envisioned. They were just happy to finally be married.
Now that they have everyone’s attention, Murphy nods to Heidi and takes his seat again. He curls his arm around her legs. “Go ahead.”
“What the fuck now?” Marcel grumbles next to me.
“Shh.” I smile up at Heidi, eager to hear whatever she plans to announce.
She rests her hand over her stomach, and my smile freezes.
Oh, no.
Be happy for them, no matter what.
Don’t you dare ruin this.
“We’re having a baby!” Heidi shouts.
“Congratulations!” Lilly squeals and runs to Heidi’s side.
Sour jealousy I can’t wish away burns at the back of my throat. I’d finally started to forget my loss and feel normal again.
Be happy for them.
Just try to be happy.
Smile. Congratulate them.
I can’t do this. Not tonight. Not now.
I quietly push my chair back.
“Hey.” Marcel grabs my hand. “Are you okay?” he whispers.
“No.” God, I need to get out of here before I start bawling and ruin Heidi’s moment. “Give me a minute.” I squeeze his hand and release it. “Go congratulate your sister. Be nice,” I warn him.
Guilt and sadness chase me into the kitchen. Away from the happy announcement. I hate that I feel this way.
Bonnie and Lala are busy cleaning dishes and wrapping up leftovers.
“Hey, Charlotte.” Lala beams at me.
“Hey,” I mumble and point to the door. “Just going to get some air,” I explain without slowing my steps.
The cool evening air slaps me in the face but offers little relief.
Why, why, why couldn’t I sit still, smile, and congratulate Heidi like a normal person? Like a good sister would do? It’s not about me. She didn’t get pregnant to spite me. She doesn’t even know…dammit. It’s been months. Why is this still so hard? Why does it still hurt so much?
I cross my arms over my chest and stare into the woods. An owl hoots in the distance and I narrow my eyes, searching for a glimpse of the nocturnal bird.
“Char?” Murphy’s voice breaks the woodland peace. “You all right?”
I wipe my eyes quickly, paste on a bright smile, and turn to face him. “Yes! Congratulations. I’m so happy for you guys. You must be thrilled.” I babble out the words at a million miles a minute.
“Hey, come here.” He pulls me into his arms, hugging me tight. “Ginger power,” he whispers.
I let out a small, miserable laugh against his flannel shirt. Sure, this secret Marcel spilled. “Damn it. Marcel told you, didn’t he?”
“Don’t be too hard on him.” Murphy shrugs but keeps his arms around me. “He bared his soul to me when I was in a coma, thinking I couldn’t hear him. I used it to my advantage when I woke up.”
It so perfectly encapsulates their relationship, I can’t even be mad. “Sounds about right.” I pull back and peer up at him. “You…kept it to yourself all this time?”
He stares down at me with concern brewing in his eyes. Underneath the brutal biker exterior, Murphy truly is one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. “He asked me not to say anything.”
“I’m sorry.” Sniffling, I dab my eyes, and he releases his hold on me. “You know I’m so, so happy for you two, right?”
“Yeah, I know.”
“I didn’t want to ruin your announcement, so I…”
“It’s okay.” He motions toward the door. “Everyone has her occupied.”
“I just needed a minute.”
“I understand.” He shrugs. “Heidi was worried about Marcel getting mad. But I was worried about you.”
His sweet concern breaks the precarious hold I have on my tears.
“Shit, I’m sorry, Charlotte.” He pulls me into his arms again.
“It’s fine.”
“She wanted to tell you guys first, but I thought telling everyone at once would—”
“Give me cover?”
He shrugs. “I guess. Heidi went for it because she figured Marcel wouldn’t kill me in front of the whole club.”
I dab at my eyes with my fingertips and laugh. “He’s more mature than that.”
He cocks his head, the corners of his eyes crinkling with laughter. “Is he, though?”
His teasing question pulls laughter from me. “Yes!”
The screen door creaks open.
Marcel’s concerned face peers into the darkness. His gaze lands on us and he steps outside. “You okay, Sunshine?”