Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 103431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 414(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 414(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
Atlas kisses all over James's face. “Be good for Ellis and Scar, yeah?”
James nods but I don't think he actually has any idea what he's agreeing to. But I'm not too worried, my dude is always good. Even if he is officially mobile and into everything. He and Fefe should be all kinds of trouble—but the cute kind.
Nora takes him back. “I love you so, so much, my sweet little love. I'll see you soon.”
This time, when Scarlet goes to take him, Nora allows it, even if her hold does linger a second too long.
“Ready to head home?” I ask, watching Scarlet as she cuddles James with something akin to longing in my gaze.
“Beyond ready.” She glares at the ground. “These shoes are killing me.”
I follow her line of sight, taking in the offending heels. “Take them off.”
“And go barefoot out here?” Her nose crinkles. “No, thanks.”
“Hand James to me,” I tell her, and much to my surprise, she does. Scarlet’s a hardcore baby hog. I situate him and give her my back. “Hop on.”
“You've lost your mind,” she says through peals of laughter as she tries to move around me.
“I've got you.” I block her path and squat ever so slightly. “So, ditch the shoes and hop on.”
She gives me a long, hard look before relenting. “You better not drop either of us.”
“I won't.” It’s a vow, too, because I’d rather walk over glass barefoot than hurt either of them
“If you do have to drop one of us, make sure it's me.”
“I'm not dropping either of you. Now, c'mon, Princess. Your chariot awaits.”
“You weirdo.” She launches herself onto my back, wrapping her arms around my neck.
I stumble half a step before righting myself. “I think you mean your weirdo, because I'm so fucking yours.”
Her soft exhale puffs against my neck. “And I'm yours.”
Both Scarlet and James are out cold before we ever hit the highway. Most of my drive is spent trying to figure out the best way to get them both inside without waking either of them.
I finally settle on taking James inside first when a massive shadow in my driveway has me slamming on the brakes.
“What…” Scarlet jerks forward before her seatbelt locks, forcefully jerking her back. “… the hell? Is everything okay?”
“Yeah.” I heave out a long-suffering sigh. “We have a visitor.”
“A visitor,” she whispers, trepidation shining in her eyes as she whips around to look at me.
I nod, and she discreetly looks forward. “Is that…” She squints.
“My mother?” I throw the truck in park. “Yes.”
Suddenly she's wide awake. “Did you know she was coming?” she asks, her voice pitching high with panic. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I didn't have a clue, Princess.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Might as well face the music.”
I unbuckle and throw open my door. Scarlet does the same as Mom climbs down from her RV. “I've called you fifteen times!”
I slide my phone from my pocket and unlock the screen. Sure enough, fifteen missed calls, along with double that in texts. “I'm sorry. I must’ve forgotten to turn my ringer back on after the ceremony.”
Mom’s glare softens. “Was it beautiful?”
“Only thing missing was you,” I tell her, letting the barest hint of disappointment creep into my tone.
She has the decency to look remorseful. “You know weddings are hard. Last one I attended was my own. Next one I plan to attend is yours.”
Scarlet chokes but Mom pays her no mind—she’s not finished interrogating me just yet. “Now, what's with the gate?” She eyes with disdain.
“It's a long story,” I start but Scarlet edges in front of me.
“It’s my fault, Mrs. Wilder.” Scarlet wrings her hands together. “I’m so sorry.”
Mom finally turns, giving Scarlet all of her focus as she eyes her up and down. “Well, aren't you cute as a button!”
“Um.” Scarlet swallows. “Thank you?”
“You’re welcome. Now, what’s your name?”
“Scarlet.”
“Pretty name for a pretty girl. I’m Heather, but you can call me Mom.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Scarlet extends her hand, but instead of shaking it, my mother grips it and yanks her in for a hug. “None of that, Doll. We hug around here.”
Scarlet sends me a pleading look as Mom squeezes her tightly, rocking back and forth.
“Okay,” I say intervening. “Let’s break it up. It’s late and we need to get—”
As if he knew I was about to mention him, the sound of James crying from the truck pierces the air.
“Well, why’re you just standing there, El? Let us in.”
Already exasperated, I stalk past her and enter the gate code manually. “Pull to the side of the house,” I remind her as it slides open.
“Yeah, yeah. I know the drill.” She climbs back into her RV.
“Your mom doesn’t think we’re getting married… does she?” Scarlet asks once we’re back inside the truck. She’s in the back seat beside James, trying to comfort him with soft whispers.