Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 83777 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83777 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
We made it to the truck, and I helped her out of the chair and into the passenger seat. Once she was buckled in, Devin smiled at the nurse and said, “Thank you.”
I closed the door, then rounded the truck and climbed in behind the wheel. I started the engine, and seconds later, we were on the way to her place. We hadn’t gotten far when she glanced over at me and asked, “Should we call Mom and let her know it’s okay to bring the kids home?”
“Already taken care of.”
“When did you do that?”
“I can’t divulge all my secrets.”
“Hmm.
When we pulled up to her place, Devin’s mom’s car was in the driveway, and the lights were on, letting me know that they were waiting for us inside. I thought I’d have a minute to get her inside and settled, but the second I parked, Chrissy was out the front door and racing towards us. Devin opened her door and was about to get out when I said, “Hold up. Let me help.”
“I’ll help her,” Chrissy assured me.
Chrissy held out her hand and helped her mother out of the car, and with me following close behind, she led her up the steps. We took her over to the sofa, and Austin brought over her favorite tumbler filled with Coke Zero and a bag of Rollo’s. A warm smile crossed her face as she said, “Thanks, guys. But you don’t have to fuss over me. I’m fine.”
“Have you heard from Dad?”
“No, honey. I haven’t.”
He looked over to me, and I shook my head. “You think he’ll get in trouble for what he did?”
“There’s a good chance, but it will be a little while before we hear anything.”
“Never thought I’d be one of those kids who’s got a dad in jail.” He lowered his head. “I’ll have to put it on the get-to-know-me sheet when we get back to school.”
“I don’t think that’ll be necessary.”
“Won’t matter. Everybody will know it anyway.” I could hear the regret in his voice when he muttered, “I’m sorry, Mom. I’m sorry about it all.”
“Honey, you have nothing to apologize for.”
“I was mean to you for a long time.”
“You were hurt. We all were.”
“I’m gonna do better.”
“You’re fine, sweetheart.” She reached over and gave his hand a squeeze. “Everything’s going to be okay.”
He nodded, but I could tell that he wasn’t so sure. After a minute, he let out a breath and said, “Does that mean I can go play my video game?”
“You definitely can.” Devin looked over to Chrissy and said, “And you can go hang out in your room. I’ll call if I need anything.”
In a blink, they’d given their hugs and were out the door, rushing back to their rooms. Devin’s mother came up behind me and placed her hand on my shoulder. “I wanted to thank you for looking after her and the kids. You really came through for us last night.”
“Don’t have to thank me. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
“I had my doubts about you. I’m sure you know that, and I’m sure you know why.” Her expression softened. “But my daughter loves you, and because of that, the kids will soon love you, too. And the same goes for me and her father. I just ask that you keep doing right by her.”
“I plan on it.” I gave her a wink. “I have a lot of wasted time to make up for, and I’m gonna make up for every second.”
“She’s going to need some rest.”
“I’ll make sure she gets it.”
“I’ll make some dinner or at least, go get you some groceries.”
“Thanks, but I’ve got it covered.”
She hesitated for a moment, then reached over and wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tight. “Call me if you need anything.”
“Will do,” I answered, hugging her back.
“I guess I’ll head back to the house.” She walked over to Devin and kissed her on top of the head. “If you need anything at all just call, and I’ll swing by tomorrow and check on you.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
She lingered for a moment longer, then gathered her things and slipped out the door. Devin stared at the door for a second before looking over to me with a smile. “Do you have any idea how hard that was for her?”
“What?”
“Leaving?” She giggled. “She just left you in charge of her most prized possessions, and that just doesn’t happen.”
“It’s my boyish good looks.”
“That and the fact that she trusts you, and that doesn’t come easy for her.”
“Doesn’t come easy for her daughter, either.”
“No, it doesn’t. But once it’s given, it changes everything. You don’t just get lots of hugs and kisses.” A mischievous smirk crossed her face as she reached out her hand and offered me the remote to the TV. “You get to pick the movie.”
“I don’t know. That’s a lot of pressure.”