Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 54817 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54817 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
He keeps Asher in his arms as he moves toward me. “How are you feeling, sweetheart?” he asks me once he gets closer.
It takes me a minute to form any words. I feel as if I’m overcome with emotion. It’s so strong that I’m having trouble talking. “I’m okay.”
Ford lets Asher slide to the floor and then squats down in front of me. “It’s damn good to be able to reach out and touch you again, Grace,” he purrs, bringing his hand up to tuck a stray lock of my hair behind my ear.
“Ford,” I whisper.
“Asher was just explaining to Grace how you wanted us all to be a family,” Lyla interjects, and my mouth falls open in shock. I would have preferred it if she didn’t say anything. I get the feeling she knows that.
“You do, don’t you, Ford? That’s what you told me. I don’t think Mommy believed me, though.”
Ford shocks the hell out of me by nodding in agreement at my son. “It’s absolutely what I want, Asher. I told you nothing would make me happier.”
Ford’s daughter decides to take control. “Hey, Ash?”
“Yeah?”
“How do you feel about making some chocolate chip cookies with me in the kitchen?”
“Do I get to break the eggs?”
Lyla laughs out loud, shaking her head. “I think that can be arranged.”
“Where’s T at, Butterfly?” Ford asks.
“He’s in our room taking a shower. Asher and I will take the baby in there for him to watch while we make cookies. Maybe you can have a talk with Grace.”
Ford shakes his head at his daughter but keeps a smile on his face. “I’ll do that,” he answers simply.
I watch as Lila and Asher leave. I keep staring at where they disappeared, even after Ford and I are alone. “God, I feel like I’m in an episode of The Twilight Zone.”
Ford laughs. I force myself to stand so I can lean against the paneled wall. Ford doesn’t even let me do that, taking me into his arms. “I know, sweetheart,” he croons. “Do you want to tell me what’s going on in that beautiful mind of yours?”
“You can ask, but honestly, I’m not sure. I just don’t know. I can understand why you came after me, why you protected Asher and, most of all, why Asher thinks you want us all to be a family.” Ford’s eyes never leave my face. Without a word, he gently picks me up, making a gasp leave my lips. I cling to him in surprise. “What are you doing?”
“You’re tired, Grace. Hell, I’m damn tired, too. We’re going to go to my room and take a nap.”
“Ford, I’m not sure this is a good idea.”
“That’s odd, because I think it’s the best idea I’ve ever had in my life,” he counters, dismissing my concerns.
He continues carrying me down a hall and into a bedroom. I give up arguing. I’m actually starting to think that maybe Benny knocked me unconscious and I’m just dreaming all of this right now. It’s the only thing that makes sense because I know there’s no way Ford would tell me and my son that he loves us—no matter how much I would like for it to be true.
And I really wish it was.
26
GRACE
Ford gently sits me down on the bed. I think it’s probably a queen size, but the rest of the room is small. In fact, I think the bed is just four or five steps from the door. I frown because the entire room is about the size of my small bedroom at home. There’s a television on the wall, the bed, and one nightstand. That’s it.
“Wow, this is kind of small,” I whisper before I can stop myself.
“Yeah, I gave the bigger one to T and Lyla. They have the baby.”
“What about Asher’s room?” I ask, knowing he gave my son a really nice room.
Ford shrugs. “I wanted him to know he belonged with us. That he was cared for.”
His words are simple, but they touch my heart. Not only did Ford make sure Asher was safe and take care of him when I couldn’t, he wanted him to feel secure and maybe even loved. I’ve never had that in my life and sadly, except for me, Asher has never had that before. I’ve been fighting my feelings for Ford hard. Mostly because I know he deserves better than me, but also because I’ve accepted that I’m not made for love. I have my son’s love and that’s enough. I’m tired of the pain.
“I should go rest in Asher’s room,” I murmur.
“Don’t move,” Ford orders, pulling off his shirt and then kicking off his boots.
“Ford, what are you doing?” I squeak as he sits on the bed and starts taking off his socks.
“I meant what I said, Grace. I’m exhausted and I know you are. We’re going to nap.”