Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 59471 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 297(@200wpm)___ 238(@250wpm)___ 198(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59471 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 297(@200wpm)___ 238(@250wpm)___ 198(@300wpm)
The house is nice, small but comfortable. It has good access through the back, so the guys can come in and out without being seen. Ava is staying with me, which is good because being alone right now isn’t something I want. Not with everything so up in the air. I settle Cody into the room with me, and then stare out at the window. It feels strange being home again, like a bad dream, almost.
“Honey?”
I lift my head with a heavy heart and glance at Ava, who is standing in the doorway.
“It’s going to be okay. He’ll be here with you before you know it.”
I nod, no words forming.
“I didn’t want to disturb you, but we have some visitors. Ace brought them around, I hope it’s okay.”
That sparks my attention. I sit up, taking Cody with me. I put him on my lap and tip my head to the side. “Who?”
“Aunt Satan and Maggie.”
I groan, of course it’s them. “Are you serious?”
“Jagger made sure Maggie knew you were here, I guess word travels. He assured us she won’t say a word, he trusts her and so do I.”
“Maggie I can deal with and I trust, Aunt Satan I can’t and don’t.”
“Come on, it’ll be okay. Let’s just face her and be done with it. I’ll stick with you.”
We both stand, and I place Cody on my hip—his little eyes are drooping, and I know he’s well overdue for his nap.
“We can’t be long, he needs to sleep.”
“It’s a good excuse at least.” Ava deadpans.
I smile. “It sure is.”
We walk out of the room and through the back door, and I see Maggie and Mary right away. They’re both standing and talking to Angel and Ace on the porch that overlooks the small yard. When they notice me, they stop talking. Maggie presses a hand to her chest when her eyes fall on Cody. I smile as she rushes over, throwing her arms around me and pulling me close.
“Sweetheart, I’m so glad you’re okay. I was so worried about you.”
“It’s good to see you, Maggie.”
“Let me look at him,” she whispers, pulling back. “Oh, Willow, look at him, he’s just perfect. May I?”
She stretches her arms out, and I smile, handing him over. Mary is by her side now, her eyes scan over Cody as though she’s looking to see if he’s really Jagger’s. She narrows her gaze as she studies him, then she turns her attention to me.
“Willow, good to see you,” she says in a small, cold tone.
“You too,” I manage.
“Johnny’s son is very lovely.”
Johnny’s son? What am I then? His incubator?
Calm down, Willow. Don’t let her get to you.
“Yes, our son is lovely.”
She gives me a side-eyed expression. “I see you’ve been speaking with him then?”
I’m assuming she knows, but I’m weary anyway; I’m not telling a single soul about my interaction with Jagger unless absolutely necessary. I don’t trust her, and I’m not about to let her know that he knows I’m here.
“No, I haven’t.”
Maggie looks over at me and our eyes meet, which tells me she knows Jagger and I have seen each other. I’m guessing he has spoken to her but not Mary and I wonder why. Probably the same reasons I don’t tell her anything, there is something about her I don’t trust.
“I find that very hard to believe. I want to know how my boy is doing?”
“I wouldn’t know.”
“Really?”
I shrug. “Yes, really.”
“Why are you here, then?”
Does she know Jagger is fighting here? If so...how?
Curiosity sparks, but I don’t want her here a second longer than she needs to be, so I don’t ask.
“Because I wanted to see the guys. I might have strict instruction to stay away from Jagger, but I’m sure as hell allowed to see the rest of my family.”
She points her nose to the sky—yes, wicked witch, fly away home.
“Maggie, we have to make the store before it closes,” she snaps at Maggie.
Maggie snuggles Cody. “He’s so perfect. He looks just like Jagger. I hope we can come visit again soon?”
“Of course, I’d love that. Come over anytime, Maggie.”
I made sure I only said Maggie’s name, that makes me feel momentarily amazing especially when Aunt Satan glares at me. She hands Cody back, kissing his little face once more.
“You did a great job, Jagger will be so proud.”
I smile. “Thank you.”
She hugs me again and then they both leave. Mary doesn’t even look back as she walks away. God, I can’t stand her. I turn to face Ava, and she bursts out laughing. My face breaks into a smile, and soon we’re both laughing.
“God she’s a piece of work!”
“I know, right? She is the worst.”
Still giggling, we both head back into the house. I put Cody down for a nap and while he’s asleep, my mother comes over. I’ve been trying to avoid her as much as possible, but I knew eventually I’d have to face her. Jenny told her we were coming back for a visit, and she was thrilled. When she steps into the house, I see that she looks well. Her eyes are glowing, and she looks radiant. That does make me happy, I want her to be healthy. As soon as she notices me, she comes over with a smile and wraps her arms around me.