Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 53521 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 268(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53521 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 268(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Olive’s expression softens, and she glances at her husband. The connection between them is palpable, and I hope they see the sincerity in my words.
Mr. Mayfair nods thoughtfully. “It’s not just a house to us, you know. It’s filled with memories.”
“I understand,” I say quickly. “And I promise to cherish it just as much as you have. To fill it with love and new memories. I’m not just looking for a place to live—I’m looking for a home for my family.”
There’s a moment of silence as they exchange a look, and I hold my breath, hoping for the best.
Olive nearly has tears in her eyes as she beams at her husband. “Oh, David. We’ve been waiting for the perfect family to buy our home for years, and I think this is it.”
“We definitely are,” I say, hoping beyond hope they let me buy it and the price is right.
David rubs at his chin. “I think our home would make you both really happy. It’s sure made Olive and me happy. We raised five children there, and we couldn’t have asked for a better home.”
“We’ll treasure every second.”
The server drops off our orders, and we take a few minutes to get everything situated, but before Olive takes a bite of her salad, she smiles at me.
“You’re both going to be so happy there.”
“I hope so. I love this woman more than anything,” I say, feeling every ounce of truth in those words. “Thank you.”
For the next half hour, David and I discuss the price, options, and Olive tells me more about the interior of the house, since Felicity and I have never even stepped foot through the doors. I listen as they tell me stories of raising their children there, and I laugh as I tell them I remember their son, Holden. “We played football together.”
Olive nods her head with recognition. “I remember your mother Carol. Oh, you really are perfect for our old home.”
“I really am,” I tell them, brimming with excitement to tell Felicity.
As I leave the restaurant, I shoot off another text to her.
Have a huge surprise for you.
Felicity: Hurry up and get home. I miss you so much.
On my way.
Chapter 29
Felicity
It’s been six hours since I heard from Shepherd. I’m officially scared.
With each passing hour, I told myself I was overreacting. That he stopped somewhere, that he’s stuck in traffic, that he got pulled over. But as the hours have ticked by, it’s getting harder to believe any of those theories, especially since I’ve called and texted with zero reply.
Shepherd, I am now scared. You need to call me back now!
I squeeze my phone as I wait for a reply or for it to ring.
“Screw this.” I pull up Anya’s number and press call.
“Hey, Felicity. I was just talking about my nephew. I was telling Griffin that you and I should look for a photographer to take newborn pictures. How cute will that be? I was also thinking —”
“Anya,” I cut in, laughing lightly, but there’s no humor there. I’d love to spend all day talking about the baby that will be here soon, but right now I’m way too worried.
“What?”
“Have you heard from Shepherd at all?”
“No, why?”
“He texted me telling me he was going to Saint Pierce and then texted saying he was on his way home and that was six hours ago,” I explain.
“Griffin, have you heard from Shep?” she shouts. I wait impatiently for her to say something, when she finally says, “Griffin hasn’t heard from him either. Hang on, I’ll add you to the family group message. Ask in there. I’m sure somebody knows something.” After a few seconds, she tells me that I’m added and after a quick goodbye we hang up.
Hey everyone, it’s Felicity. Has anyone heard from Shepherd?
Anya: He said he was headed home six hours ago from Saint Pierce.
Tripp: I haven’t seen him since he left work this afternoon.
Paxton: What the hell was he doing in Saint Pierce?
He said he had a surprise. I have no idea, but I’m really worried. I’ve called and texted with no response. It’s not like him.
Anya: Don’t stress yourself. It’s not good for the baby.
I’m way past stressed!
Brock: I haven’t heard from him. Does anyone have his location? He won’t let me anymore since I kept showing up at random places he was at.
Callum: It’s late. Let me make a few phone calls and see what I can find out.
Thank you. I’m a mess over here.
Hartford: Paxton and I are on our way. You shouldn’t be alone.
Tripp: I can go ask Mom and Dad if they’ve heard from him.
Brock: Don’t you dare. You’ll likely scare them for no reason. Let’s see what’s up first. I’ll ask again, does anyone have his location?
Paxton: I do, but nothing is there. His phone must have died.
Callum: That’s definitely why he hasn’t called or texted Felicity. Don’t worry. I’ll call around.