Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 133688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 668(@200wpm)___ 535(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 133688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 668(@200wpm)___ 535(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
Once our plates are cleared and the kitchen is clean, Owen and I watch Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown. He snuggles in close to me, and I soak in these little moments with him since he won’t want to much longer. Eventually, he’ll grow up and move out, then I’ll have to adopt a few dogs and cats to keep me company in that big ole house I bought. I squeeze him just a little tighter, knowing his teenage years are right around the corner.
Owen laughs at Lucy and Charlie Brown as I’m lost in my thoughts. Gabe would’ve loved spending time with Owen. Though years have passed, it’ll never erase the pain of my son not having a father to bond with and have these special times with him. Though he doesn’t have a dad in his life, I try hard to make sure he doesn’t feel any less loved.
When the movie ends, Owen brushes his teeth, then I walk him to his room. After he climbs into bed, I sit on the edge and admire the features he shares with his dad.
“Love you, sweetie,” I say as I cover him up, then hand him his stuffed bear my mom got him for Christmas last year.
“Love you too, Mom.”
“Sweet dreams. Good night, my love.” I kiss his forehead, then turn on his night-light.
On the way to my bedroom, I realize how secluded it feels to sleep alone. It’s been my life for so long now, so I should be used to it, but Valentine’s Day only reminds me that I’m still single.
CHAPTER SIX
NOAH
It's been over two weeks since I was released from prison. I've wanted to go to Katie’s house and beg her to listen to me on more than one occasion, but I know it's a bad idea, considering how frustrated she was with me at the bank.
It’s another Monday, so this morning, I decide to do something special for my sister and Tyler. There's a donut shop that Gemma’s always adored that makes special pastries. I park my truck in the side lot at the gym, then walk into the donut shop.
Years may have passed, but Lawton Ridge is a time capsule. I take in the cool breeze and breathe in the fresh air. It's crazy how everything looks the same—the buildings, businesses, and town square. Before my life drastically changed, this was the last place I expected to be long-term because it was so boring. But now I realized how much I took that for granted because I can’t imagine ever leaving again.
The woman who owns the shop greets me with a smile. I lean over the glass case and look at everything. Food like this wasn't available in prison, so I feel like a king as I choose a dozen different cake donuts. If I remember correctly, Gemma's favorite is the blueberry, so I get an extra six of those.
After I pay and grab the box, I turn around and notice a woman and man staring at me. Another couple whispers, but they look away when I make eye contact. I don't even have to hear what they're saying to know they're talking about me. I wish the gossip didn’t run rampant because it makes starting over even harder.
My blood pressure rises and my face heats, so I get the hell out of there as quickly as I can. It felt like the walls were caving in on me.
I try to shake it off as I walk the few blocks back to the gym. Since I’ve been back, I’ve tried to ignore the way people have acted around me, but I can’t seem to let it go today. A man wearing a dark hoodie walks down the sidewalk and meets my eyes. He glares at me with intent right before his shoulder slams hard into my body. He mutters, “Murderer,” under his breath as he passes. I turn to look at him, but he keeps going.
My heart pounds, and I swallow hard. Though he’s taller than me, I'm five seconds from beating his ass. Instead, I inhale a deep breath and continue toward the gym. I don't need trouble finding me right now.
If that would’ve happened ten years ago, I probably wouldn’t have walked away. Prison changed me, and now I'm a different man who has a lot more to lose.
Was he a friend of Gabe’s?
I walk inside with a fake smile plastered on my face even though shit like this eats away at my conscience. As I cross the large open room, I try not to smash the cardboard with the force of my grip. Tyler notices, and I give him a smile and open the box.
“I brought donuts for everyone. Where's Gemma?” I glance around but don’t see her.
Tyler studies me before meeting my eyes. “She'll be here any minute.”