Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 81182 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81182 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Unlike her ex, within five minutes of seeing Tucker with my sister, I could tell she was his reason for living and that he feels for her what I do for Hanna. I couldn’t ask for more for her and my nephew.
“Are you doing okay?” Hanna asks, and I pull my eyes off the driveway, where my parents are now getting out of their vehicle, and look down at her. The concern in her expression isn’t a surprise. She knows my parents’ and my relationship is strained.
The thing is, after falling in love with her, it hasn’t gotten easier to accept my dad’s actions over the years. In fact, it’s even more difficult to understand him now. I would cut off my own arm before I ever harmed Hanna, even emotionally, so I don’t get how he could cause that kind of damage over and over again to someone he claimed to love.
“I’m good,” I assure her quietly, and she searches my gaze for a long moment before letting out a long sigh.
“You suck at lying.”
“Is that something I should be good at?” I smile, and her eyes drop to my mouth.
“The answer should be no, but you could try a little harder in this situation.”
“I’ll work on it.” I kiss the side of her head, then move my hand to her waist and urge her toward the stairs. When we reach the gravel driveway, my mom—who now has my nephew in her grasp—turns our way, and her eyes fill with tears.
“Walker,” she whispers, passing Kingston off to Tucker before walking toward Hanna and me.
“Hey, Mom.” I let Hanna go so I can hug my mother, and she squeezes me so tight I’d swear she’s trying to break a rib.
“I know you said you were coming. I just didn’t expect you to actually show up.” She releases me and looks over at Hanna.
“Hi, Mrs. St. James,” Hanna says, and Mom’s smile widens.
“Call me Mom.” She steps away from me to give Hanna a hug before leaning back to look down at my fiancée’s belly. “I’m really going to be a grandma again.”
“You are,” I confirm.
“This is just the best day. Both my babies in one place!” Mom wipes the wetness from her cheeks, and I look to her side when I see movement, every muscle in my body getting tight as my dad walks over.
“Hey, bud.” He holds out his hand, and I take it out of obligation. “I’m glad you were able to make it.”
“Me too.” It’s a lie. Yes, I’ve enjoyed spending time with my sister and nephew and getting to know Tucker, plus Hanna having the chance to meet them. But I could have done without seeing either of my parents.
“You must be Hanna.” Dad smiles, and she nods.
“Yes. Nice to meet you.” She steps forward to give him a hug, and my hands twitch with the urge to pull her away from him when his arms wrap around her.
“I hope you guys are hungry.” Miranda wanders toward us, her eyes scanning mine briefly before looking at Mom and Dad. “Hanna and I put out food inside for lunch.”
“Great.” Mom links her arm with Miranda’s while Tucker, Kingston, and Dad follow them toward the house.
Keeping pace with Hanna, who’s slowed, I watch everyone disappear into the lake house, then let out a breath when she turns toward me and wraps her arms around my waist.
“Say the word and I’ll get us out of here,” she whispers, and I drop my forehead to the top of her head.
“I’ll be okay. I just—”
“You don’t have to explain,” she cuts me off. “I get it. And I know I said you should attempt to work on your relationship with your mom, but you don’t have to do that if it’s not something you feel like you can.”
“I should be over this. It’s been years since I lived in the house with them and dealt with that situation.”
“There is no time limit on emotions.” She tips her head back to look up at me. “You get to feel however you want for as long as you want. And my offer stands. Say the word, and I’ll make up an excuse and get us out of here.”
“Thanks, baby.” I touch my lips to hers, then let out a sigh before leading her into the house, where we have lunch with my family.
Stepping out onto the deck with a beer in my hand, I scan the edge of the shore for Hanna, who went down to join everyone for a bonfire and to make s’mores. I was on a call with Otto and Ham, filling them in on what’s going on with the building we purchased. The steel building will eventually have a dive pool inside along with the equipment we’ll need to teach underwater welding and drilling. But the permits for the project have been a pain in the ass to get.