Comp's Chance - Page 36
After we get the kids settled with snacks and a movie, which the girls let Rome pick, we all head to the back shed. It’s time for some fun, and I know Halle is getting in just the right headspace by the malicious smile she’s sporting.
Epilogue One
COMP
NINE YEARS LATER:
“It’s her first real date, baby. You have to play nice,” Sunny tells me from the kitchen.
“That’s not going to happen. She’s sixteen, Sunshine. How can you even think of letting her go out?” I grumble to Sunny as we hear our ten-year-old twins race down the stairs to the kitchen. Sunny makes her way over to me before placing her hands on my shoulders and a light peck on my cheek.
“You know it’s going to happen. Paisley is really excited, so try not to be too harsh. Okay?” she asks. I just give her a glare, not agreeing to shit. As Koa and Kyler bustle into the kitchen, all dressed up, I have to raise my eyebrows at them.
“And where do you both think you’re going?” Sunny asks them, placing her hands on her ample hips.
After having Paisley, then the twins, she’s gotten plumper, and every time I see her, my hands twitch to grab her and run them up and down her gorgeous body. I lick my lips, staring at her, but she gives me a scowl, pointing her finger at me and waving it in my face.
“Don’t.”
“We’re going with Paisley tonight,” Koa says confidently while smirking up at Sunny. Kyler is the more serious twin, and I know he can tell Sunny’s going to say no when he crosses his arms over his chest and stands his ground. I raise my brows at them, knowing we didn’t raise them to be disrespectful.
“And why would you think you would be going with Paisley?” I ask, mirroring Kyler’s stance and crossing my arms over my chest. He looks away for a split second before looking back into my eyes and holding contact with mine.
Call me impressed.
“Who else is going to protect her? We have to make sure she stays safe,” Kyler says, raising a brow at me. I hear Sunny snicker from beside me.
“Not Helping,” I mutter to her. She smiles before she bends in front of the twins.
“I know you want to protect your sister, and I am so proud of you boys for that, but this is one of those times where we have to trust her. She will be fine, I promise,” Sunny tells them.
They don’t look happy, but they know better than to argue. At that same time, Paisley rushes down the stairs wearing a teal sundress with her hair in loose curls, and I swear I tear up. How has my baby girl grown so much so fast? She must notice my struggle because she immediately walks up to me and wraps her arms around my waist. I place my own arms around her and lean my cheek on the top of her head.
“You look absolutely gorgeous, wildflower. Where did my baby girl go?” I whisper to her.
“I will always be your baby girl, Dad. You are the best thing that has ever happened to Mama and me. Just know, I will never settle for someone who doesn’t treat me as good as you’ve treated Mama,” she whispers, and I can’t help it. I let the first tear fall.
In less than two years, she will leave me to head to college, and I don’t know if I’ll be able to take it. I look up at Sunny and see the tears rolling down her face, but a bright smile takes up the lower half. I give her a wink and a smile before releasing Paisley when we hear a knock at the door.
Protective dad mode: Activated.
Epilogue Two
JADE
Irun down the deserted road as fast as I can, not knowing where to go or who to call. If I call my mom, she will be pissed I even went on the stupid date. Which she has every right to be. I didn’t want to go on the date in the first place. I had no interest in Robby, but he was persistent, and I was worried about what he might do if I turned him down again. I couldn’t let my mom lose her shop, though. She worked so hard for that place, especially after Daddy died. Plus, I love it as much as she does. I was born and raised to do hair, and having my own chair in my mother’s salon is a dream come true.
Then Robby came sniffing around. He worked for the bank and told me he had business with my mother. They stayed in the office for about thirty minutes before he walked out. The shop was empty, and my mother was still in the back when he approached. At first, he was charming and sweet, but I still wasn’t feeling it, so I turned him down when he asked me out. Then he started coming by more, being more forceful. Finally, last Monday, he told me if I didn’t go on a date with him,he wouldn’t approve the second loan my mother took out on the place.
Ididn’t even know she was taking out a loan, but that was who my mother was. Strong, independent, and prideful to a damn fault. Even if I asked, I knew she wouldn’t tell me if she needed a loan. I knew even more that she would refuse any money from me altogether. I saved up quite a bit still living from home. Yes, I still live from home. I had my own apartment, but when Daddy died, I knew my mom needed me home. Or at least I needed her.
Either way, the threat had me agreeing to the date before realizing it. That brings us back to tonight, back to my horrible date, where Robby turned into a complete ass. He told me I needed a salad and not the burger I ordered. Then he proceeded to order for me while telling me all about his life and accomplishments. I didn’t get one word in. After an hour, I was done. I asked him to take me home. He tried to get me back to his place, but I refused, so he pulled the car over onto a dead-end street and tried to take what I refused to willingly give.
All he got for his trouble was a broken nose, a black eye, and probably a busted dick. I fought with my whole might until I could get out of the car and ran to the woods. Unfortunately, he got in a few licks and shredded my clothing, and I lost a shoe. I know for a fact there will be a bruise marring my dark skin tomorrow, and Mama is going to shit a brick.
Icome out of the woods onto what looks like an old country road. I have no clue where I’m going, but I can’t stop now. I make a quick decision and head left, only getting about half a mile before I hear the loud roar of a vehicle approaching behind me.
No, he couldn’t have found me this fast. I don’t turn to look; I don’t stop; I run as fast as I can because I know if he catches me now, I won’t be as lucky as I was last time.