Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 77341 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77341 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
“Stop it.” I set the carrots down. “I’m all for assigning blame and taking responsibility because that’s how mistakes aren’t duplicated.” I look around the table at the concerned faces. “But this blame sits solely on my father’s shoulders. He intentionally set out to hurt me. And every one of you, from Foxx to Damaris to even Banks, has gone out of your way to help me. To care for me.” I sniffle, trying not to cry because, if I do, I’m afraid it’ll be an ugly sob. “I hate that my father’s ugliness spilled into this family. Please, don’t blame yourselves.”
Foxx pulls me into him. I’m not sure if he’s doing it for me, or if he needs the contact, the reassurance. But I do need this. His hugs. His warmth. His love.
“I broke his hand for you,” Banks says. The words sound serious, but his smirk tells another story.
I laugh. “You’re definitely the hero of this story, Banks.”
“Well, you know, I do try …”
Slowly, frowns begin to turn up. They aren’t quite smiles, but they’re better. And that, I’ve learned, is the magic of Sparkles.
That’s still one story, of many, I need to hear.
Gravel crunches outside and we all jump. Banks goes to the window. Car doors shut, the sound echoing through the room.
“Who the fuck is that?” Foxx asks. “I’ve had enough of unannounced visitors today.”
“I’m going to assume you don’t mean us,” Kixx says, joking with his son.
Foxx doesn’t find the humor in it.
“It’s Jason.” Banks looks at me over his shoulder and then back out the window. “And a woman who looks like Bianca.”
My heart springs in my chest. “My mom is here?”
Kixx goes into the foyer and opens the door. I hold my breath, not wanting to be too hopeful—but hopeful, nonetheless.
My brother and mother come around the corner. Both look worse for the wear. Jason’s lip is busted, and it looks like he may have a black eye in the morning.
Foxx and I stand. He embraces Jason, and my mother pulls me into the tightest, longest hug of my life.
I can’t stop the sobs this time.
My mother shakes as the same level of emotion leaves her. Jason wraps his arms around us both and kisses our heads—first Mom’s, then mine. He whispers something under his breath. It might be a prayer; it might just be a universal thanks that we’re all okay. But the exact language doesn’t matter. I feel it in my heart.
“Mom, Dad, this is Rory Brewer. Bianca’s mom,” Foxx says, his eyes glistening.
I step away from my mom. We accept a tissue from Damaris, who immediately pulls my mother into a hug.
I laugh through the tears. My poor mother is not a touchy-feely woman. I bet she doesn’t know what to think about Damaris. She’ll love her, though. She needs this as much as I do.
Ever the sophisticate, Mom dabs her eyes and gathers herself. “I’m overwhelmed. I’m sorry.”
She sniffles, reaching for my hand. I happily give it to her. Not to be outdone, Foxx takes my other one.
“Today has truly been one for the history books, and I’m sorry that your family was affected by this incredibly horrific situation,” Mom says. She looks around the table. “I want to thank you all for taking care of my little girl.” Her lip trembles. “She needed you, and you were there. And it’s a lesson I’ve taken to heart today.”
Damaris wipes her eyes, too. “We will always be there for Bianca, Rory. And you and Jason, too. And however many other Brewers exist because we’re all family now.”
Mom places a hand on her chest. “Jason and I had a long talk on the flight down here. Perks of having a son for a pilot.” She looks at him and smiles. “I want to truly express my deepest gratitude for your generosity to my daughter. And Foxx …” Her eyes shine with a new pool of tears. “I’ve dreamed of Bianca meeting a man like you since the day she was born. And I knew the first time I was in a room with the two of you that this day—well, maybe not this day—would happen.”
We all chuckle.
“There is no one else I’d rather my daughter fall in love with,” Mom says before diverting her attention to me. “I’m sorry I missed your wedding, Bianca. But after getting caught up with Jason and filled in on the details of everything, I was hoping maybe you’d allow me to throw you another one.” She looks at Damaris. “Maybe you and I could work together and create something special for them. What do you think?”
Damaris beams. “I do love throwing parties.”
“Can someone please explain to Jess that his chickens can’t come to this one?” Banks says.
Mom looks confused as we all laugh.
“If the kids don’t mind, I’d love to do that,” Damaris says.