Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 96249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
I kiss the top of each of their heads. Ann giggles as I’m able to tickle her. Brad wraps his arms around me and gives me a tight hug.
I feel like shit. I need to get myself together. My moodiness is taking a toll on my family.
“I have an idea. I haven’t been on my walk today. You guys want to come with me?”
Once a day, I go for a walk on the ranch, pushing myself to go farther and faster than the day before. When I do see Lynn, I want to be strong enough to lift her in my arms and hold her tight.
I need to be able to stand in the front row where she can see me cheering louder than anyone else. As it stands, I get fatigued and stiff after a half hour. I’m not going to complain because I’m lucky to be alive.
I’ve seen pictures of my truck. I know someone up there is watching over me. As I have that thought, I make the silent promise to be and do better.
“Yeah, come on. We’ll help you do your stretches too,” Brad croons excitedly.
I get the feeling coloring was Ann’s idea and Brad was only going along to hang out with me. I laugh to myself as I look into their sparkling eyes. I wish I could help them take their time in life and remember to enjoy it.
I sigh. No matter what happens when I finally get to Lynn, I want to see her happy. I want the life we dreamed of, but most of all, I want her to feel happy and loved.
My phone buzzes, grabbing my attention from my thoughts. I snatch it up to look at the incoming text from Cliff.
Cliff: Holy shit. Incoming trouble.
Me: What?
I wait for him to reply. However, as he types, my world falls apart.
“Brad, Ann, why don’t you two go outside and play for a bit? I’ll tell you when to come back in,” my daddy calls into the room.
I look up and my blood boils. Standing between my pale-faced parents is none other than Donna. A pregnant Donna.
Lynn, baby, I didn’t think I slept with her. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for us to end this way.
CHAPTER 48
Empty
Lynn
Present…
“You guys sound so perfect for each other. Are you sure that letter was from him?”
“Maggie and Elise used to say the same thing. But I know his handwriting. He wrote that letter. Then his girlfriend was pregnant and they got married.”
I shrug my shoulder. All of the pain returns with a vengeance. I still have that letter.
Any time I start to feel homesick and think I might step foot in Texas, I pull it out and read it. It’s my reminder of how cruel life and love can be.
“Well, here’s what I’m thinking. You need to go home. I’d prefer you have some closure other than that letter, but I’m not going to tell you to disturb a man’s union and home.
“What I will suggest is a full makeover and the best wardrobe you can pack. We’re not going to Texas for him, but if you happen to run into him, thoughts of what he let get away should plague him for the rest of his life,” Matthew says and grins.
“You know, I don’t know what I would do without you. You’re the best.”
I stand and he tugs me into his warm embrace. His warmth is comforting. I’m grateful for the day Cody introduced us. How did Cody put it?
A gift from his boss. Well, Matthew has been the best gift ever. I’m going to need my support system to make it through this.
I’m not the same. My heart hasn’t been wild and free in years. One thing I know for certain, I’m going to run into Trevor Monroe. I just hope I survive the encounter.