AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m glad you asked.” She nudged me. “This is the right decision.”
The station had called Cal in to work half a shift for someone who was sick and he’d bolted like he’d been praying for an excuse to leave.
It hurt, but I understood.
As odd as it seemed, I felt more connected to him now than I had when we’d been together all those years ago. His guilt had become my own. As had his pain and burdens. They were heavy. And it would be a monumental task to beat all of it back.
But we would.
Or if I had to do it myself, I would.
I owed that to him.
“We could’ve done this at my office.” Kane Zegas scowled as we entered the lobby. “I hate coming down here.”
“From what I’ve heard, you’ll charge me double.” I smirked.
“Eh. Maybe I’ll just put it on Elliott’s bill.” He grinned devilishly, as if the idea was genius.
“Maybe not. My debt to the Elliotts is racking up quickly.”
Daniel and Vivian had given Teague, Pepper, Miss Adeline, and the dogs a place to stay. They’d opened their home to my entire family without hesitation. And they didn’t seem to care if we ever left.
“I called in a favor with a judge I know to expedite the process. When you walk out of this building, you’ll no longer be a Hollingsworth.”
A sense of relief swept through me. At a time I hadn’t thought it possible, hope bloomed.
I was almost free.
The night before had been the confirmation I hadn't wanted. My father had continually let me down no matter how many chances I gave him. I shuddered thinking about what could've happened if Cal hadn't been there.
Hewas the one who’d proved time and again I could count on him.
This was the right thing to do. What I wanted. Needed.
Lexie slipped her fingers in mine and squeezed. “So proud of you.”
This felt like another step toward taking control of my life. A major one.
And when I’d told her my intention, she’d sent Lincoln and Eric off to make deliveries so she could support me. I could’ve easily asked my brothers to come, but I’d wanted my best friend.
Lexie had made sure to cover up my latest bruise by parting my hair a different way and creating a sweeping look over my forehead. Even if the makeup wore off, I was still covered.
A woman approached Zegas with a clipboard in hand. “The judge will see you now.”
He made a grand gesture. “Lead the way.”
Soon, so very soon, I’d have one piece of my past behind me.
* * *
“It’s not fair.”
Lexie handed me my temporary identification as we pushed out of the courthouse.
“No one should look that good in a driver’s license picture,Mrs. Calhoun.”
I elbowed her, but couldn’t help my grin. Without meaning to, Cal had given me such a gift.
