Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33764 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 169(@200wpm)___ 135(@250wpm)___ 113(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33764 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 169(@200wpm)___ 135(@250wpm)___ 113(@300wpm)
“Ah, come on, brother.” Wrath smirked. “You didn’t really think we were going for it, did you?”
“You guys were pretty convincing.” We could all hear the pride in Stitch’s voice as he added, “But I know why you did what you did, and it was a smart move. Last thing we need is some smug cartel thinking we snubbed our noses at ‘em.”
“Exactly.” Dad cleared his throat before saying, “Besides, Cotton has some possible opportunities for us to discuss after the holidays.”
A few nods and murmurs of agreement circled the table. Maltese wasn’t going to be happy, but the decision wasn’t up for debate. It was the only call that made sense. Dad collected his things and announced, "Meeting adjourned.”
We all stood, and one by one, we started to filter out of the room. As we started for the parking lot, Rooster let out a breath. “He had me worried there for a minute.”
“You and me both.”
“Where you headed?”
“Back to the house,” I answered. “I’ve gotta finish some work on my truck. What about you?”
“Meeting Maggie and the kids for dinner. Hoping I can talk ‘em into going for burgers instead of pizza. I love Dano’s, but it seems like it’s all we eat anymore.”
“I get it, but I gotta say, it’s hard to beat Dano’s, brother.”
“Yeah, yeah. That’s what they keep saying.” He chuckled, then kicked his leg over the seat of his bike. “Catch ya later.”
I continued over to my bike and followed him out the front gate. With the Maltese situation out of the way, I was ready to get home and settle in for the night. I eased out onto the main drag, and it wasn’t long before I was engulfed in darkness.
I always loved a night ride. It was one of the best ways to clear my head, but tonight, it barely made a dent. No matter how fast I drove or how many hard curves I leaned into, my mind kept drifting back to Beck. She’d been gone for so long, and I was still finding it hard to believe she was back.
I could still remember the day she left. It was mid-August—a time when the days were long and hot, and the nights were cool and filled with endless possibilities. She came by the clubhouse to tell everyone goodbye. Her bags were loaded up in the back of her little SUV, and she looked happy—really happy.
We hugged, and I told her to make us proud, never revealing how much I wanted her to stay. I stood there in the parking lot and watched as she drove away, all the while thinking that it wouldn’t be long before she would be back.
But I was wrong.
Years passed, and life took us in different directions.
I heard bits about her here and there, but those bits became less and less frequent. I kept expecting her to come back home, but she never did—not until now. I didn’t know what had taken her so long to find her way back home, but I had every intention of finding out.
Beck
“It’s really cold out, Ava. You need to put your coat and gloves back on.”
“What ‘bout you?”
“I’m working and got hot.”
“I got hot, too.”
“Ava, put on your coat,” I fussed.
I could tell by the look on her face that she wanted to protest, but I gave her a stern look, and she complied. And then, she was back to running circles around the yard. I was trying my damnedest to put together her new playset, but I was struggling. I had bolts scattered around me, and I had no idea where they went. The instructions might as well have been written in Chinese, but I was determined to get it done.
"What’s this?" Ava asked, pointing to one of the metal bars.
"That’s one of the legs, baby.” I kept working as I explained, "We’re gonna use it to keep the swing from tipping over."
“Okay.” She held her arms out and started running as if she was soaring through the clouds. "I’m gonna swing high! Like a birdie!”
I chuckled, tightening another bolt. "Okay, sweetie. I need you to come over here and help me hold this part steady.”
She raced back over, little hands gripping the edge of a beam with all her might. I pretended to struggle a bit more than necessary just to see her eyes light up when I said, "Wow, you’re strong!”
“I’m a good helper.”
“Yes, you are! I appreciate it very much."
And just like that, she was off again, darting through the yard with endless energy. I sat back and watched her for a moment and seeing her so happy made my heart swell. She was so sweet and wonderful, and I couldn’t imagine my life without her. The thought had my mind drifting back to the night I told her father I was pregnant.