Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 88225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
He’s going to be so disappointed.
I blow out a breath and take the call. If I don’t, he’ll get suspicious. The last thing I need is for him to start prying into my life.
“Hey, Daddy,” I sing into the phone.
“Sweet pea, how’s that big city treating my baby?” he says.
My stomach twists. I hate lying to him. I had planned to tell him to his face. I figured he’d be so happy to see me, it would soften the blow of my failure.
“You act as if I don’t come from a big city,” I chuckle, dodging his question.
“Speaking of which, we’d love to see you. I’m hoping we get a visit this year,” he replies.
“I think I can make that happen.”
I know I can make that happen. It will be a longer visit than he might be anticipating. Mom, on the other hand, will be happy to have someone to fuss over.
“It looks like your brother will be getting engaged. We’ll be expecting you at the engagement party.”
“That’s amazing,” I say excitedly.
“Yes, it is. I’m still waiting on you and your sister to settle down with nice young men. I’m not getting any younger. I’d like to walk you down the aisle while my knees are still good,” he says pointedly.
“Not everyone can be as lucky as you and Mom,” I say.
“Your mother and I may have fallen in love at first sight, but it took work to stay together. I have so many fine young doctors and other great candidates for you to meet. Take some time off and come home. I’ll introduce you to a few,” he says.
I roll my eyes. Candidates. Like this is some kind of campaign and not my love life.
“I’m taking a break from dating for now,” I reply, turning to look at Bishop.
Just as I look at him, he reaches up to comb the wayward piece of hair out of his face. He sucks his lip into his mouth as he jots something down. Absentmindedly, he reaches for the chain around his neck and pulls it between his lips.
He does that often. Not for the first time, I wonder about the guitar pick he wears around his neck like a charm. Bishop seems to be so deep and intentional about everything he does. I can’t help but feel like there’s a story there.
Dating isn’t on my radar, but I’m looking at the one man who has made me question that decision. As if sensing my eyes on him, he lifts his head. Those sharp eyes lock on me and the chain falls from his plump lips. I suck in a breath.
Daddy sighs on the other end of the phone. “I want someone to love you as much as I do. Someone who will give you the world as you deserve,” he takes a pause.
After a beat, he continues. “Ah, but you’re my strong one. You always do things your way. I just don’t want to see life pass you by. I want to see you with a family of your own.”
I know my father means well. My heart aches, knowing I’m hiding something from him. I almost blurt out the truth, but I hold my tongue.
Instead, I say, “I’ll be just fine, Daddy.”
“Call your mother. She’s been worrying about you for some reason. Put her mind at ease. You know how she gets.”
My heart starts to pound. My mother has an uncanny sixth sense. I’ve been avoiding her as much as I can.
“I will. Listen, I have some work I need to finish up. I’ll talk to you soon,” I say.
“I love you, sweet pea. Don’t work too hard,” he replies.
“Love you too, Daddy.”
I hang up and look out over the water. My brother is a surgeon and my sister has started her own law firm. They fit the Walden family picture perfectly.
Hearing that Legend plans to propose to his high school sweetheart only causes me to seriously look at how my life has derailed from where I thought it was headed.
“What are you doing with your life, Saga?” I blow out.
Lost in thought, I stare into space. A year ago, my life was perfect. I had my condo. A new car. My accounts were more than healthy. I had even looked at a few houses in the suburbs.
I wrap my arms around my middle as I try to figure out where I went wrong. I’m so lost in my thoughts I don’t hear Bishop as he walks over to me. He startles me as he places a hand on the small of my back and leans to speak in my ear.
“You okay?”
I jump and turn to look up at him. I cover my chest with my hand, trying to calm my racing heart. Mirth dances in his eyes as he watches me.
I glare at him but lose the scowl as he allows his laugh to escape and reaches to brush my bangs from my face. He’s too handsome and alluring to get angry with. That smile and laugh are infectious.