Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 88225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
“No woman”—I get in his face until we are nose to nose—“and I mean no woman owes you her body or her time. You’re a worthless piece of shit.
“If you ever so much as breathe my wife’s name again in your life, I’m going to make sure something so nasty happens to you that they’ll have to keep your casket closed at your funeral.”
Dwayne pats him on the shoulder and leans in to whisper something in his ear. Tom turns completely white, all the blood draining from his face. I’ve done what I’ve come to do.
“I’m feeling gracious, so I’ll give you two months to have that money to my wife. I’ll have someone get in touch with you about that event you’ll be sponsoring. You have a good one,” I say, getting up to walk out.
Saga
“Hi, dear. I’m so happy you had some time for me,” Mrs. Moran says as she pulls me into a hug.
I return my mother-in-law’s embrace, warmed by how easily she’s welcomed me into her family and her son’s life. My stomach sours as I think of how my family hasn’t done the same. I was shocked when she called and said she wanted to spend the day with me.
Bishop and the band had to go into the label’s studio for a twenty-four-hour session. Isha had a client, which means I didn’t have much planned for today. Besides, Bishop’s mom is a sweetheart. It’s no hardship to spend time with her.
“I was happy to hear from you. I was hoping to get to know you better,” I reply.
She reaches for my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. “We’re going to have so much fun together. I’ve always wanted a daughter.
“We gave up after Knight. I came to the conclusion that I’m just a boy mom. I didn’t have the energy for one more rambunctious little boy. In the end, the chance of having another outweighed wanting a little girl,” she chortles.
“I’m sure they kept you on your toes.”
“You have no idea. The stories I could tell you. Bishop gave us his fair share of trouble. Grab your things, I’ll tell you some stories during the ride.”
Excitement fills me. I turn to head for my bag and rush to lock up. We climb into her car and she jumps right into stories of Bishop’s younger years.
I laugh so much I have tears by the time we park at our destination. She’s told a few stories Bishop has shared with me, but they are more humorous coming from her vantage point. Although I can tell how much she loves her sons.
Her face seems to glow as she speaks of her four boys. They’re all grown men now, but I can hear in her voice that they are still her little boys in her heart. I try to imagine my huge husband as her little guy, stealing cookies, inviting his friends over to eat up all the snacks, and holding sleepovers without warning his mom his friends are coming over to stay the night.
“Oh my, I feel like I’ve been rambling on. I haven’t allowed you to get a word in,” Mrs. Moran says suddenly.
“No, you’re fine. I’m enjoying your stories.”
“Enough about the boys and their antics. Tell me about yourself.”
We climb out of the car and start for the stores to do some retail therapy. With all I have going on, I can so use this distraction. Bishop also mentioned something about a date this weekend.
I want to find something nice to wear. He’s been working so hard. I want our date to be special.
He deserves to kick back and relax. Truly happy to be out of the house and not thinking about my troubles, I walk beside Mrs. Moran. She loops her arm through mine.
“Well, I’m the oldest of three. I have a sister and a brother,” I begin.
“Yes, I’m aware of this. Please tell me you and Bishop want children. No rush, but I’m hoping for a few grandchildren from you two.”
My cheeks warm. “Yes, we want children. We haven’t talked numbers, but they are in our future for sure,” I say.
“I’m so excited. I miss the days when they were all tiny and cute,” she coos.
Again, I can’t imagine Bishop as tiny. However, images of a little Bishop in my arms fill my head. I wonder who he will take after more?
“Oh, Mrs. Moran, do you mind if we go into this jewelry store?” I ask as I think of something I think will be perfect for Bishop.
“Saga. It’s Tessa. Of course we can. Lead the way,” she chirps.
I smile, loving the sparkle in her blue eyes. Like her son, her presence only brings me comfort. She loops her arm through mine and gives it a gentle squeeze with her other hand.
“Tell me you plan to redecorate that drab house Bishop calls a home.”