Total pages in book: 119
Estimated words: 117494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 587(@200wpm)___ 470(@250wpm)___ 392(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 117494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 587(@200wpm)___ 470(@250wpm)___ 392(@300wpm)
I moved closer in his arms, touching his face, and cupping his cheek. “You send the message, but you are the message and you are standing for your men. All at the same time.”
“Yeah. Something like that.”
I got it. It was beautiful, but it wasn’t one-dimensional or even two-dimensional. It was a multi-layered answer and in some ways I felt like it could stand for so much more than it did. Then again, maybe it always did and that was the whole purpose.
The bottom line was, “You wear that mask to protect your men.”
“Yes.”
It was pure Shane, and another reason why I loved him, why I was marrying him tomorrow.
I moved up, touching my mouth to his.
My man.
My husband.
My other half.
It was later, after I kissed him, and he kissed me back, and he rolled on top of me.
It was after that when I told him, “You know I asked my mom today why she sent me after Claudia.” I lifted my head up, gazing at him. “She had to know Claudia would never leave. Claude does what she wants. It’s just how she is.”
“I know. It’s why we’re building a salon for her in Frisco.”
I smiled, another advance for the dying town.
“What’d she say when you asked her?”
I lay all the way back, making sure he could see me. “She told me she sent me after you.”
“Kali, honey. You stupid? I took one look at how you were looking at that man and I knew he was the one. I’m not a perfect mama. I know that much, but I do love you and I knew that man was yours. I just gave you the excuse to go get him.” She gave me a wink and moved in, pressing her mouth to my forehead. “I love you, baby girl.” Then she looked around. “Now, where’s your father because he’s single, ain’t he? Saw him earlier and he’s looking damn good. That dance crew is doing wonders for him.”
“Are you serious?” Shane was fighting back his laughter. His hand slid to my stomach and then moved down, resting between my legs.
“I am.” My smile got all secretive because he also knew the other secret I found out today, just from going to see Dr. Vioeri who was now my regular doctor. I had to ask, “Speaking of parents, what do you think?”
I moved in, touching my mouth to his, a kiss for a kiss because I loved him so much.
And I asked, “You think I’m having a boy or a girl?”