Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 40566 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40566 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 203(@200wpm)___ 162(@250wpm)___ 135(@300wpm)
“Kay, Daddy.” He squishes Ryland’s cheeks with the palms of his hands. There is nothing hotter than watching a single dad in his natural element, and when he places a kiss on Case’s forehead, closing his eyes and breathing in his little boy scent, it’s even sweeter. My ovaries weep at the thought that this could be my future, watching them together day in and day out.
“Alright,” Ryland replies.
“Me go to Sutty and be careful.” Case kicks his feet, the universal language that he wants down.
“Hey, Case man.” I hold my hand out to him, hoping he’ll accept my offer.
“Hi, Sutty, me ssss…it wif you.” His speech isn’t what it usually is. He’s nervous. I should have stayed at the hospital tonight instead of coming to Ryland’s. Sure, the bill would have set me back even more, but what’s an extra fifty bucks a month if it meant Case would feel better?
“You can sit with me whenever you want. I’ve got just enough room for you here beside me.” I scoot to one side, placing the pillow on my side, and he climbs into the spot.
“You two good?” Ryland asks after giving the two of us a moment to get situated. Case is running his hand up and down my arm that’s hooked around his neck. Our heads are together, mine resting near his, and I’m slowly dozing off. There’s something comforting about snuggling into a toddler who doesn’t usually sit still yet somehow knows today he is.
“We are, thank you,” I say quietly. It seems I’m not the only one who’s tired. Ryland dips his head, kisses my lips, then glides his finger down the slope of my nose.
“I’m going to make you a drink, grab your medicine, and figure out dinner. I’m not sure what I have, so it may be a pizza kind of night.” I scrunch my nose up. Most people love the cheesy dough with red sauce. Sadly, it’s my least favorite, and it’s probably because it gives me serious heartburn. I’d much rather eat anything else.
“Or not,” Ryland says with a chuckle. “Not your idea of food?”
“It’s not my favorite, but I won’t turn down anything you offer, either.” I don’t tell him the amount of sauce the local pizza place puts on their pies is ridiculous, plus it’s not that great sustenance wise for Case. Carbs, sugared tomatoes, and minimal amount of meat is nothing but junk food.
“Babe, the look you just gave me.” Ry shakes his head. “We aren’t having pizza. I’ll scrounge up real food.”
“Thank you.” I pause. My appreciation isn’t because we aren’t having pizza; it’s so much more. “For everything.”
“Alright, boy, get out of my way. I haven’t laid eyes on my girl, and it’s about time I do so. Plus, your momma wants you in the kitchen. Brought everything in, but she said you’re needed,” Russell says in his booming voice. Still, Case sleeps on, and it makes me wonder if he still takes naps in preschool or if he comes home to crash for an hour or so while he waits for dinner.
“Your girl? Mom know you smooth talk Sutton that way?” Ry tosses back a tease. These Johnson men. They’re all a bunch of helpless flirts. I smile as they banter back and forth for a moment. When they’re done, Ryland looks at me and arches an eyebrow to ask if I’m good. I give him a smile, hold Case a bit closer to me, and nod.
“How ya doing, baby girl? I don’t want the watered-down truth. Lay it on me.” Russ sits down on the couch. The way Ryland has his living room set up, there’s a recliner closest to the wall on one side, a small side table, and lamp. On the other side is another table, matching lamp, a plush dark brown leather couch, repeating the process on the other side of the couch, except it’s a chair that doesn’t recline. The coffee and side tables are a light wood tone. There are scratches and dents, but I’m unsure if he purchased them that way or if it’s the wear and tear from everyday use.
“I’ve been better. Never thought I’d be a statistic for domestic violence, and the kicker of it all is we’re divorced. Nothing but roommates, have been for quite a long time. My stupid pride got in the way. Had I just gone to you and Ms. Catherine, a lot of this could have been avoided.” It’s the truth. I can try to deny it all I want. I should have opened my mouth and asked for help. Stupid me.
“Honey, don’t beat yourself up. You’re a lot like your mom. She didn’t like to ask for help. It’s why Catherine freely gave, so now it’s your time to let us give to you. Plus, I suspect my son has his eyes on the prize, and that’d be you, my dear.” Russell’s eyes are full of warmth. He’s not selling me a line of bullshit.