Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 96249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
I turn to look Moses in his eyes. He only glares back at me. Clenching my fists at my sides, I make my decision and go with it.
“Mr. Galveston, sir. You’ve been like family to me all my life. I’ve looked up to you. Protected your daughters like they were my own sisters.
“Like my own daddy, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. The night Pook… that night. Cakes was with me.
“Pook was going to talk to you about us. She knew I had feelings for Cakes and Cakes had feelings for me. We were at the cabin eating our cupcakes like we always do.
“I hadn’t touched her. We kissed for the first time that day. That’s it. Still, when I saw your hurt and anger, I took that on me.
“I didn’t want you angry with Cakes. You all had enough on your shoulders. If I could take the burden for y’all, it was the least I could do.”
“Trevor,” Darla says with a shaky voice.
“Hold on, ma’am. This is what I should have done before taking Cakes to Paris. I love your daughter.
“I hadn’t intended for all the lies. I didn’t take her to Paris to take advantage. I genuinely thought it would help her heal. And it did.
“Falling deeper in love with her, that just happened. Sir, your girls have been two of the most important people in my life. Most days, I’m lost without Pook, and now, without Cakes, I’m plain devastated.
“My food don’t taste right. I haven’t won a game this season that hasn’t felt like some hollow feat. I sit in class staring into space, not hearing a word my professors say. It’s a wonder I’m passing.
“I say all this to say. I know I messed up. Lynn and I made a lot of mistakes, but I would really love your blessing to date your daughter in hopes that the next time I ask her to marry me, she says yes,” I finish, feeling my face flame.
“Finally, you understand. Now that’s the man who I know you are. You and I will talk some more, but Darla is right.
“You need to talk to Cakes. No use in having my blessing if she doesn’t want to talk to you,” Moses says, finally giving me a genuine smile.
“Thank you, sir,” I mutter and tug my phone from my pocket.
I call Lynn’s phone and it goes straight to voice mail. Closing my eyes, I groan and palm my face. I need to talk to her. She can’t leave like this again.
“You might still be able to catch the plane before they close the door and take off,” Moses says, staring down at his watch. “Want me to take you?”
“No, sir. I have my truck outside. Nanna, I’ll take a rain check. I was looking forward to dinner and your pies,” I say as I put my phone away and turn to dash for the door.
“You’re family. My door is always open to you Monroes. Be careful, honey. Drive safely.”
CHAPTER 45
Blink of an Eye
Lynn
As we sit on the jet, waiting for takeoff, I press my fingers to my temples and rub. The jet is stunning and full of Luxury. The gold embroidered Ms on the seats makes me wonder who Cody’s boss really is.
Whoever this guy is, he’s from money. This isn’t just some rented jet. Cody has stepped into a bright future. I’m proud of him.
“Are you okay? Do you need anything?” Cody asks from across the plane where he’s sitting with Elise.
“I’m fine.”
“You sure?” Elise says with concern in her voice.
“Um, I don’t think so. Can I be honest with you guys?”
“Sure, I’m here to listen whenever you need,” Cody says.
“You already know the deal with me. What’s going on, honey?” Elise says.
I blow out a breath. My stomach begins to twist in knots. I look down into my lap as if I’ll find clarity there.
“I don’t know if this is the right thing. What if all the waiting was a sign? What if I’ve been making mistakes one after the other and this is where I belong?”
What if I’m failing Pook?
That’s the one question I’m unable to voice. A series of events all started after Brooke’s death. I can’t help wondering if I’m missing all the signs leading me to the best version of my life.
“Is this about Monroe?” Cody asks.
“No. Well, yeah, sort of. I feel like I’m standing at this crossroads, and what I do today will shape our lives together. I left him to face my daddy on his own. That could mean the end of us forever,” I say softly.
“Or you can be off to become a famous singer and your ex-boyfriend already ruined things by not answering your calls. Don’t get me wrong, I love you guys together, but so much has happened. Maybe leaving is for the best.”