Page 44 of Take My Kiss
“Even if that’s true, I’m not sure how comfortable I am bringin’ my kids back to the same house. I think we gotta move. Not sure where we’d go, but it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve had to figure things out in a pinch.”
There’s a lot I don’t know about her past, but I can tell she’s been through it.
“I’m sure there’s another option,” I tell her. “Maybe they can add a security fence ’round the duplex property? Make it where there’s a gate code or somethin’ so no one unauthorized gets in.”
“Yeah, maybe.” Her shoulders lift before sagging. “But that seems extreme for one incident.”
“Hardly,” I disagree. “Whoever this is puts everyone who lives there at risk. And before you say anythin’, it’s not your fault. The Hollises would do it rather than you movin’ away because you don’t feel safe.”
“I know, and that makes it worse, which is why it makes the most sense to find another place. Maybe even a different town.” She shrugs again, and I hate that she’s feeling this way.
“You underestimate their loyalty and determination. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re already workin’ on somethin’ so you can return without worryin’.”
“Not sure I’ll ever stop when it comes to my kids. They’re all I have, and I’m all they have as a parent.”
Although I don’t have kids of my own, I understand how protective she is of them.
“What ’bout school? Could you continue if you moved?”
“Yeah, it’s all online, but not sure I’d be able to finish if I’m not workin’ at The Lodge.”
I furrow my brows, leaning forward in my chair. “Why’s that?”
“Mrs. Hollis pays for my tuition so I can get my graphic design degree. After I created a new logo for the ranch and retreat, she had me update their website with all new brandin’. Although I was rusty since it’d been a while since I’d worked in Photoshop, she was so impressed with the work that she encouraged me to go to school for it so I could learn more and do some freelance work. It was such a great opportunity, and somethin’ I’ve always wanted to do, so I couldn’t pass it up.”
“Aunt Dena wouldn’t go back on her word just ’cause y’all moved away. If anythin’, she’d send you off with a huge gift basket of necessities and goodies and do whatever it takes to make sure you graduate.”
She chews the inside of her cheek as if she’s too afraid to admit there are people in her life who love her and are cheering for her success. Makes me even more curious to know about her past before meeting Wilder and Delilah.
“Yeah, that sounds like her,” she admits, chuckling softly.
“Hope you don’t mind me askin’ and don’t feel obligated to answer, but are you in contact with your parents?”
Her spine straightens. “No, not since they kicked me out when I got pregnant at twenty.”
Dinner isn’t done by the time Amelia has class, so I bring it into my office, where I told her she could take her class and quietly hand her a plate of Salisbury steak and mashed potatoes.
“Thank you,” she mouths.
“Let me know if you need anythin’ else,” I whisper, setting down a glass of sweet tea.
Before closing the French doors, her gaze softens and finds mine over her laptop, looking raw and vulnerable. I’m tempted to ask what’s wrong, but then she lowers them back to her screen and dives into her food.
While I eat with the kids, Sam talks about wanting to go fishing again this weekend, but I suggest other things to experience while he’s here.
“Maybe we can go horseback ridin’ if it’s okay with your mom. Or swimmin’ in the river. That’s always fun in the summertime. You’re probably too young to cliff jump, but we can still go to the waterfall.”
“Can’t we fish in the mornin’ first and then do that stuff?” he asks, hopeful.
“We’ll see, okay?”
I’d love to sleep in at least one day this week since I’ve barely gotten any this week, but since I don’t know how long they’ll be here, I don’t want to disappoint him either.
Once I load the dishwasher and clean the kitchen, I meet the kids and Remy in the living room. As soon as I sit on the couch, Lily hands me one of her dolls.
“That’s you.” She points to it, smiling.
“Me, huh?” Said doll has red hair and breasts.
