by L. C. Morgan
Lost in thought, I had shoved the majority of my clothes into my one suitcase when I heard the door click shut and she shuffled further into the house. I stalled the uncomfortable reunion by rechecking all the drawers, all corners of the closet and underneath the bed. More than worn out by the time I was done, I plopped down on the mattress, giving the small room a once-over before heading out to the foyer. I ceremoniously ran my hand along the painted wall, just as I had the day after I moved in, and set my suitcase down by the door before heading into the kitchen.
Quiet as a church mouse, she sat at the kitchen table, her face turned down to watch her fingertips run along the grain. I rounded my shoulders, walking right on past her, heading for the sink to pour myself a much needed drink. My stomach twisted in knots as I swallowed down a gulp of lukewarm water. Wiping my mouth on my sleeve, I cleared my throat.
“He leave you?” I asked while I poured the rest of the water down the drain and placed the glass in the sink. I just caught the small shake of her head in my periphery.
“No, I actually did something right for once and left him.” Running her hand over her stomach, she looked down at the small bump. I could see it now. “He didn’t want it.”
I nodded even though she couldn’t see me, a courteous apology for her troubles teetering on the tip of my tongue. A knee jerk reaction, I guessed. What else was I going to say? Serves you right, you dumb bitch? Leaning against the counter, I crossed my arms and bit back both urges.
“Where are you staying?”
“Some motel in town. It’s awful.”
“How long?” I continued with my questioning, not giving much of a shit about the accommodations.
She shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m paid through today, but after that …” She shrugged again, shaking her head as she lowered her sights on her belly. “I just can’t go back there.”
Glaring at the ground, I squeezed my eyes shut, torn and confused, hoping to all hell I wouldn’t end up regretting what I was getting ready to do, which was make a choice.
“I pay six fifty for this place, utilities not included. If you can afford that”—pausing, I licked my dry lips—“then I guess you can stay here.”
A brief silence followed my offer. I hadn’t even considered what she would say, glancing up just as her eyes shot back down to the table.
“All right.” She spoke more quietly, whether in shame or regret, I didn’t know. I didn’t really care, but kind of hoped it was both as my gaze lingered on her slumped figure before lowering back down to the ground where I nodded at my feet.
I left her sitting at the kitchen table, knowing I’d made the right decision. While every choice I made before this one had seemed to be the wrong one, they didn’t feel wrong now. They all led me to this place. This place in my life. A place of forgiveness.
The place I was looking for.
Epilogue
“As you can see, the house has been fully restored, is freshly painted and has all new furnishings.” Mona’s voice faded as my hand found the wall, and I followed slowly behind her and the prospective buyers.
Julie had done a good job at keeping up the aesthetics since I let her move in, even going as far as to add some splashes of color to the otherwise monotonous paint choice. She was living with Patrick now, painting his walls while he loved on and spoiled that little baby Mark still wanted nothing to do with.
We were all friendly when we saw each other, mostly at the annual cookout and additional family functions. But besides that, we didn’t have much reason to talk. I had forgiven her, but I’d never forget. We’d never get back the friendship we once had, and I was okay with that.
Since Joe and Mona had talked, I had obtained my realtor license and we had joined forces, which in turn forced us all to grow closer. She knew all about my past now and how much this place meant to me. Buying this house was the first time I’d done anything on my own. Even though it was my turn to show, I didn’t argue when she offered to do it for me. I didn’t have it in me to say goodbye. Not out loud anyway.
“The real perk of the place is the roof and entire piping system have both been replaced in the past year.” Mona looked back to give me a wink as we all rounded into the kitchen, and I smiled, walking right on through and out the back door. It was all too real. All happening way too fast, but still not fast enough, kind of like ripping off a Band-Aid. It still hurt no matter what.
The warm breeze hit my face and I closed my eyes to the sun before removing my shoes.
Joe had just mowed, so the grass didn’t tickle my ankles like it had that first day I’d explored what was beyond the field.
The temperature beyond the trees was cool and moist. I stepped onto the creek bank, and the mud hugged my feet like an old friend.
Ever since putting the house on the market, I had been overly sentimental, and today was no different, my eyes burning with a flood of memories. I blinked rapidly to force them back when I heard Mona call my name.
Stepping out of the mud, I made my way toward the house, mentally and physically exhausted and more than ready for this day to end. What I needed was to get back home where I belonged.
With my husband Joe.
Acknowledgements
I dedicate this book to all my readers, my friends.
Thanks Mon, for the picspiration and being so enthusiastic and supportive.
Thanks to Jess, Allyn, Erica, Fran, Kitty and everyone who offered much needed guidance and suggestions. This wouldn’t be what it is today without the help of each and every one of you.
Special thanks to Rachel Lawrence who polished this up and prettied the finishing touches. And Caitlin for designing the most beautiful cover to encase it.
To my husband who encourages me in his own way, I thank you for letting me be me.
But most of all, I want to thank my readers and the fandom for the love and encouragement they always gave and continue to give to me. I love you guys with all my heart, always.
Thank you.
About the Author:
L. C. Morgan resides with her husband on the outskirts of a small town in the heart of it all. A lover of many things, she puts family first and Diet Coke second. When not working she can be found spoiling her new nephew with lots of love and kisses while she awaits the arrival of her own little bundle of joy or at home, face shoved in her Kindle, fingers typing away to free the words from her head. She writes them for you and hopes you enjoy them as much as she enjoys yours.
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