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CHAPTER ONE
Zoey
They say that when you become a mother, there is no feeling like it in the world. I can personally attest to that fact.
When I look down into the sparkling blue eyes of my twelve-month-old daughter, Hailee, I know I would move heaven and earth for her. I would do absolutely anything for her.
Kill for her.
Die for her.
Walk over hot coals for her.
So why the fuck am I sitting here at three in the morning, holding Hailee as she cries, waiting for her asshole of a father to come home to us again?
This routine is all too familiar. Every time she cries, I hold out hope that Kyle will be here to dry her tears, to change her diaper. Hell, let me be the one to shower in peace. It’s so fucking hard when I’m raising this gorgeous child all on my own, and he is off doing some shit every night.
Kyle thinks I’m stupid.
He tells me that because he is growing his business, he needs to spend his time working at all hours. But you tell me, what construction worker works all day and into the night and is still out at three in the morning? Then comes home smelling of perfume and booze?
The kind who’s out cheating on his girlfriend, that’s who.
So yeah, he thinks I’m an idiot.
And maybe I am.
Because, for some reason, I sit around waiting for things to change.
Sniffling, a tear slowly falls down my cheek, and I shake my head while giving her a bottle I know I should be trying to ween her off of. But, honestly, it’s the last thing I’m focused on.
Kyle and I have known each other since high school—being high school sweethearts—is the only reason I have stayed this long. But the fact we have a daughter, and he still won’t commit to me, still won’t put a ring on my fingers, tells me everything. And I’ve overlooked it for far too long.
I’m wasting my time.
He’s no good for me…
… or, more importantly, for our daughter.
And I, one hundred percent, must do what’s best for her.
I’m drowning, and if I stay, I am going to take Hailee under with me.
That is unacceptable.
Placing my foot on the floor to steady it, I stand from the rocking chair. I pull in a deep breath as Hailee continues to scream her lungs out, then I walk over to my cell. Picking it up, I swipe the screen even though I know it is three in the morning—I have to do this before I lose my nerve again.
When I find my father’s number, I hit dial.
It rings a few times before he sleepily answers, “Zoey, sweetheart… it’s three in the morning…” there’s a small pause, then, “… is that Hailee screaming? What’s going on?”
Holding back the sob threatening to escape, I walk back to the rocking chair and slump down. “D-dad…” my voice breaks.
“Oh, Zoey, I’m right here. Talk to me.”
Hailee begins to soothe, finally taking the bottle as if she can sense I’m calming down hearing my dad on the other end of the line. His peaceful tone gives me the strength I need.Maybe I should have called him sooner.“Kyle is out again, and Hailee won’t settle… I feel like I am drowning, Dad.” And I am. How can I be Hailee’s everything when I can’t keep my head above water?
He exhales a long, drawn-out sigh. “Want me and Mom to come over, help with Hailee until Kyle makes an appearance?”
