Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 81718 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 272(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81718 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 272(@300wpm)
Maybe they can be my people.
CHAPTER
FIVE
Forrest
I was fourteen when Emerson turned four. I was a kid with no money, so spoiling her at that age wasn’t possible. Our deadbeat parents didn’t even make an attempt with a birthday cake, homemade or otherwise. I did what I could. When I got older, I made sure Emerson had everything she needed. Including celebrating her birthday.
That’s why I’ve been in the toy aisle for far longer than I can admit, trying to decide on the best gift for River and Rayne for their birthday.
At Sunday dinner last week, Monroe mentioned they don’t have any family. Apparently, it’s just Briar, Brogan, and the twins, and when she and my sister suggested we all go to the twins’ fourth birthday party, everyone agreed. I barely know them, so I don’t know them. I don’t know what they already have or don't have, so this is proving to be more difficult than what I first thought.
Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I call my sister.
“Hello?”
“Hey, what do I get River and Rayne? I’ve been at the store for an hour and still can’t decide on something.”
“They’re little girls, Forty. They’ll love and appreciate anything you get them.”
“That’s not helpful at all, kid.”
“Ugh. I’m a grown woman, a married woman, and a mother. We can drop the kid.”
“You’re always going to be my kid sister, no matter how old you get, how long you’re married, or how many nieces and nephews you give me.” I can hear her sigh, and I know I’ve got her.
“Fine. Let me text Monroe.”
“Thank you. What did you get them?”
“They each got a Barbie doll and some clothes.”
“Right, Barbie dolls.” I walk over to the next aisle and stare at the shelf. That’s when I see them. “I think I found what I’m getting them. But what if they already have them?”
“Don’t stress. If they have them, Briar can return them and let the girls pick out a gift. It’s the thought that counts, big brother.”
“Right. Okay, I’m getting them.” I pick up a pink and a white Barbie Jeep and toss them into my cart.
“Just make sure you get a gift receipt in case they need to return them.”
“Will do. Thanks, Em.”
“Anytime.” I end the call, sliding my phone back into my pocket.
Looking at the Jeeps in my cart, I’m still not sold. I’m going to give it one more go down the aisles to make sure nothing else stands out to me. I turn to the next aisle, and there’s a woman with a little girl who looks close to River and Rayne’s age.
“Mommy, I want this!” She points to a camera.
“We’ll make sure to add that to your birthday wish list for next month.”
“I’ll be this many.” She holds up her hand, showing five fingers.
“That’s right.” I hear the mom say before they push their cart down the aisle.
I stop in front of the cameras. There are a few different types. I pick up the one that says it instantly prints the pictures. I smile, because I think the girls would love this. I grab a pink and a purple and toss them into the cart. Then I grab three paper refill kits for each and toss them in as well. Making my way back to the Barbie Jeeps, I pull the two from my cart and place them back on the shelf.
Satisfied I’ve made a good choice, I push my cart out of the toys. I need to grab a few things for the house. As I pass home goods, the photo albums stick out to me. I reverse and walk down the aisle. I grab two albums, one pink and one purple, which have a spot for a frame in the front. I know exactly what I’m going to put there.
It doesn’t take me long to grab the few things I need for home and wheel toward the checkout. Just as I’m getting in line, I remember I’m going to need birthday cards and a gift bag. I feel like I’ve been in this store all damn day. I trek back to that side of the store and grab what I need, and finally, I’m able to check out.
As soon as I get home, I unload everything and get to work with wrapping gifts. The party isn’t until tomorrow, so I have plenty of time.
Monroe has the address, so we all decided to just follow them to Briar and Brogan’s place. Lachlan and Maddox met at my house. The three of us are taking my truck, while Roman, Legend, Emerson, Maggie, Monroe, and Lilly are going in Emerson’s SUV.
“No shit,” Maddox says, as we pull into the driveway. “They live at the old Pearce place.”
“I always loved this house. I wonder how they bought it. I’ve been waiting for it to go on the market for years. I heard they passed, but I know it’s never been for sale.”