Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 74390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74390 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
I sat up, and my chest swelled when I saw my precious son standing there with his pillow. “I can’t sleep.”
“I can’t either.” I eased the covers back and waited as he curled up next to me. Knowing it wouldn’t be long before he drifted off, I asked, “You want to watch a movie with me?”
He nodded, and I continued flipping through the channels until I found an older kids' movie that I knew he wouldn’t care for. As the movie continued, I watched Dalton’s eyes slowly droop and his breathing even out. I was grateful for the quiet moment and the feeling of his small body against mine. It was a reminder that despite everything that was happening in my life, I was still a mother, and that was something to hold on to.
Midway through the movie, I glanced down and saw that Dalton had fallen asleep. I turned off the TV and rolled to my side, closing my eyes and willing myself to finally fall asleep. But just as I was beginning to drift off, I heard the sound of my phone buzzing on the nightstand.
I groaned as I reached over and picked it up, quickly looking down at the screen. My stomach sank as I read:
Unknown Number:
I read the letters.
We need to talk.
CHAPTER 15
Savage
“That didn’t sound good.”
“Cause it wasn’t. It wasn’t good at all.” I ran my hand down my clenched jaw. “I’ve got a kid.”
“Do what?”
“You heard me… I got a fucking kid.” Rooster looked as stunned as I felt. Hell, after hearing the news from Londyn, my head was all over the place. I didn’t know what to think or do. I leaned my head back against the seat. “He’s four years old, and I never even knew he existed. I wouldn’t know now if I hadn’t come here tonight.”
“Is that what all the fussing was about?”
“You could say that.”
“Damn, brother. What are you gonna do?”
“I wish I knew.” I turned and looked out the window as I told him, “Just take me to the clubhouse.”
“You got it, brother.”
Knowing I needed a minute to collect myself, Rooster kept quiet as he drove me to the clubhouse. As soon as we got there, I went straight to my room and started rummaging through all of my drawers, searching everywhere until I found the letters that she’d written me. I sat down on my bed and opened the last one she’d sent.
Dear Malcomb,
I hope you are doing well, or at least better than I am these days. It’s been almost a year since we last spoke, and I’m still dealing with a heavy heart and a head full of questions. I’ve tried to make sense of what happened between us, but I keep coming up at a complete loss.
When you ended things, it felt like the ground was pulled from beneath me. I still feel that way. I know it might seem stupid to you, but I never saw it coming. I thought things were good between us. I've replayed our last conversation over and over, searching for clues or hints as to why you decided to break things off. But I've come up empty-handed.
I really wanted to talk to you—not just about the breakup, but something else important. I tried calling and coming by the clubhouse, but I was always turned away. I’ve written letter after letter. I have no idea if you knew I was pregnant or not. I tried to tell you. Countless times.
Anyway, I had him. His name is Dalton, and he’s beautiful, Malcomb. He’s the most beautiful baby. He’s got my lips and rounded nose, but he has your eyes and lopsided grin. He’s strong and healthy, and he has such a soft temperament—I think he gets that from me. I wish so much that you could see him and hold him.
I just know you would love him the way I do.
I still don’t know how we got here. I don’t know how to fix it, but I do know that you’ve never lied to me, Malcomb. Never once. I have no reason to believe that you lied to me that day, but I do. I think you lied about everything. I think you still love me, and if that is the case, please answer me.
If I’m wrong and you really meant all those things you said, then I’ll find a way to move on. If I don’t hear back from you, I will consider that your answer. I will stop trying to reach out and let you live your life.
But please know, my heart is still yours.
I fear it always will be.
Sincerely,
Londyn
Fuck me.
I’d been such a goddamn fool. She knew me better than anyone. Of course, she knew I still loved her and wanted her—even when I did everything in my power to prove otherwise. My silence had made her think I’d turned my back on her and our kid.