Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 57201 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 286(@200wpm)___ 229(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57201 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 286(@200wpm)___ 229(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
“When your brother came to me and told me that he and Katie were getting married, I warned him he was setting himself up for heartache. I didn’t say that to him because I love him more or any less than I love you. I love both my boys the same. I’m not blind to the fact both of you are wonderful men, but also have your own special flaws.”
“Thanks, I think.”
“No problem,” she responds with a smirk. I’d roll my eyes, but when we did that when we were younger Mom would set our heads on fire. I might be older now, but I’m not wanting that particular punishment again. “Still, I knew in my heart that Katie didn’t love Jeff in a way that a woman should love her man. Katie knew it too, and that’s why she pushed Jeff away. I don’t know what’s going on with Jeff now, but I ultimately want all three of my children happy and I include Katie in that. So, sort out in that pretty little head what you want and go after it. The rest will work out. Maybe it has already.”
“What’s that mean?”
“Maybe you and Katie are right where you were meant to be all along and just maybe Jeff is too. The universe has a way of working itself out if you let it, my boy.”
“Is that why you’ve remained single all this time?” I rumble.
“I’ve stayed single because it was my choice. I loved your father with everything I am. If I can’t find a man I can love that way, I don’t want them. That’s my choice and I made it. That’s what you need to do—make your own choices.”
“I’m not walking away from her again, Mom. Lennon is involved and I want my family.”
“What about touring the circuit? How are you going to manage things when you go on the road?”
“I’m not sure, but I’ll make it work somehow,” I finally answer. I don’t really know how I’ll work everything out. I just know I am not about to let this chance slip through my fingers.
“What if Katie doesn’t agree?” she asks, her eyes appraising me in a way that makes me uncomfortable.
“I don’t plan on allowing that to happen,” I rumble. Mom shakes her head. “But,” I add before she can argue, “if Katie ultimately disagrees, I’ll focus on my life with Lennon.”
“That’s my boy. Where were you four years ago?”
This is my chance. The moment I have to blast Jeff and let her know what a worthless piece of shit he is. I don’t do it.
“Figuring shit out,” I grumble instead, taking another sip of my coffee and ignoring the bitterness I feel inside. Before Mom can respond the phone rings. She stares at the caller ID and then answers it using what Jeff and I used to joke was her phone voice. God, that was another lifetime ago—back to a time when I liked my brother, when I thought we would always have each other’s backs.
Back when I was stupid.
“Hello.” There are a few moments of silence while she listens to whoever is on the other side. “This is Barbara Ryan. Oh my God,” she gasps, and her voice makes every nerve ending in my body come alive. I stand up immediately and go to stand by her. She puts her hand just above my elbow, her fingers biting into my skin as she gives me her weight. “Yes, do whatever you need to do. I… I… Oh God,” Mom says again and when I see the tears sliding from her eyes, I take the phone. She’s obviously upset and in shock.
“This is Jake Ryan, my mom’s upset. What is going on here?” I ask. Mom’s just shaking her head repeating, “Oh God, oh God.” She’s saying it over and over. I somehow manage to direct her to a chair and help her to sit down before the person on the phone responds.
“This is Emily from Del Sol Medical Center in El Paso. Katie Smith has this number as an emergency contact, may I ask who I’m talking to?”
If it’s possible for a heart to beat out of your chest, mine has to be close. My entire body breaks out in a cold sweat. I don’t know what’s going on, but I do know that hospitals only call emergency contacts in well… emergencies.
“This is Jake Ryan. I’m Ms. Smith’s fiancé. What’s going on?”
“I’m afraid there was a multi-car pile-up today on the interstate. I’m afraid Miss Smith’s vehicle was involved. Her passenger is here—stable but unconscious. Ms. Smith however has a piece of metal wedged into her back and needs emergency surgery. Her condition is critical—”
“Do whatever you need to do. I’m on my way there now, I’ll sign whatever papers needed when I get there.”