“You know how you asked for a brother for that room next door?”
“You got me a brother?” I practically screamed in my daddy’s ear. “Where is he?” I tried to get out from the pile, but neither of them let me go.
“He’s not here just yet, Legend.” Cora’s eyes were happy when she pointed to her belly. “He’s still in here. He’ll be here in a few months, and you’ll get to meet him then.”
My shoulders slumped. I hated waiting, but I really wanted a little brother…until I realized he would be theirs—and I wasn’t. “Will you love him more than me?”
Daddy turned me in his lap. “Never. That’s a promise.”
“Can I name him? My mama said names are important. That’s why she named me Legend.”
“They are.” Cora looked confused. “Do you know why your mom picked Legend?”
I nodded my head and smiled like I would if I said, “cheese”—big and happy. “Because a legend is as powerful as a dream but as fragile as a thought.”
I didn’t know what that meant, but it had been important to my mama, so I made sure to remember it. And whatever it was, it meant something to Cora, too, because she started to cry like girls do when they watch a silly movie.
When the baby finally came, I was already six, so Daddy and Cora let me name her. It wasn’t a brother like they’d said, but she wasn’t so bad. They’d made me a promise never to love her more than they did me, so that’s what we named her—as a reminder.
And Promise Carpenter was my favorite girl in the whole world…next to Cora.
THE END
Acknowledgments
My peeps…
Leddy—this book legit would not be here had you not pushed, poked, prodded, and pulled (you like all those P words?) me to finish. It was by far the most difficult plot for me to work through, and had you not had the patience (another P word) to walk through it with me, there wouldn’t have been anything to put out. Thank you.
Linda—Lucky number seven. Thank you for all you do. There aren’t words.
Jason—There are days I’m not sure why you put up with this whole writing/author gig, but I’m grateful you do. My dream is always your top priority. Not if, but when.
Magoo—just…you!
Readers, bloggers, editors, proofreaders, cover designers, and anyone else who had a hand in this coming to fruition, being read, or even being love…without you, my words just letters on a page. Thank you!
About the Author
Stephie Walls is a lover of words—the more poetic the better. She lives on the outskirts of Greenville, South Carolina in her own veritable zoo with two dogs, three cats, the Mister, and Magoo (in no preferential order).
She would live on coffee, books, and Charlie Hunnam if it were possible, but since it’s not, add in some Chinese food or sushi and she’s one happy girl.
For more information:
www.stephiewalls.com
[email protected]
Also by Stephie Walls
Bound (Bound Duet Book 1)
Freed (Bound Duet Book 2)
Redemption
Metamorphosis
Compass
Beauty Mark
Fallen Woman
Strangers
chimera
Girl Crush
Unexpected Arrivals Page 29
