Page 35 of Blindsided By the Enforcer

She nods and swallows. “We’re better off that way.”

“You aren’t broken, Annie. You’re sweet and sassy. I can tell you have such a good heart too. Those guys were idiots. You’re perfect.”

I inhale and pull away from her.

She inhales and laughs. “Shall we get back to the movie?”

“Yes.” I extend my arm. “Come here, I want you close to me.” She curls against my body. We watch the movie with her leaning into me and my arm around her. It feels so right for something fake.

CHAPTER NINE

Annie

Hell to the no. I find the flowy lace lavender dress Mom bought me lying on my bed with a pair of heels on the floor. The dress is long and flowy, but it’s also a strapless with sleeves and a plunging neckline that is going to have my breasts majorly on display.

I don’t know what she is thinking. Not a moment later Mom is at my bedroom door.

“I kind of anticipated you having a fit over the dress so before you can complain, let me give you some perspective. You’re a young, very attractive woman. Do you really see yourself settling down with a guy like Cade? Your father told me he’s planning on going to the NHL. Those guys are always cheating on their wives with their side pieces. Is that the kind of life you want?” she asks. Before I can protest, she continues, “Ford is a good man with a good future in front of him. It wouldn’t hurt you to put on that beautiful dress and dazzle him.”

My blood bubbles in my veins. I want to remain calm but I am a hothead. “I’m nothing like you. I’m sorry you regret having me and marrying my father. You’re the one who madethose choices. I can’t go through my life regretting my existence because of it. I also won’t put myself in a position to be with a man who constantly cheats on me. I don’t want Ford, and everything with Cade is very new. I don’t plan on rushing into anything,” I declare, my whole body vibrating with anger.

Mom’s lips quiver. “You’re so ungrateful. Everything I’ve done was for you. So you could have a good life,” she says and tears prick her eyes.

I exhale, feeling defeated. “Mom, you aren’t happy here with Daddy. You show it every chance you get. Why would you push me to be with a guy who didn’t treat me right when we were together?”

“Ford is good for you. He was young and maybe he made some stupid mistakes he regrets. At least you should hear him out,” she counters. “And as for me, I’ve done my best and nothing seems good enough for you.” I don’t want to call her out on the fact she is never home. That she has a separate life in the city that doesn’t include me and Daddy. “We’re at risk of losing this place, Annie. As much as I wanted to get away from here, I also don’t want to lose it. My parents worked hard to build this farm. I was a rebellious, difficult child and now we might lose it because of my mistakes,” she shares, as tears streak her cheeks.

“I’m the mistake again.” My resolve hardens at her harsh words. She got knocked up by Daddy and here we go again with her poor choices.

“That isn’t what I meant,” she snaps.

“No, what did you mean then?” I call her out, standing with my hands on each side of my waist, waiting. This isn’t our first rodeo.

“I. . .uh. . .” she sulks. “Why can’t I get anything right?” She starts to cry and buries her face in her hands. It’s a move to make me pity her.

“I’m not consoling you after what you’ve said. But what I can tell you is, I don’t want to lose this place either. I know the attorney fees are expensive so I’m willing to play nice tonight with Ford’s family, but let me make one thing clear. I will not spread my legs open for him. I’m not you.” I stare into her eyes; my resolve hardens because I no longer feel bad for her. I’m angry she’s putting me in a position I don’t want to be in.

Her mouth drops. She stands and smacks me across the face. I don’t flinch but the sting has knocked the breath out of my lungs.

“Don’t act like you don’t cheat on Daddy. I’ve seen the messages on your phone,” I tell her.

“Annie, I can explain. . .”

“Get out of my room, Mother. We have nothing else to say to each other,” I reply without looking her in the eyes. I’ve never called my mother out for her transgressions before. I’ve known for years about her friends in the city. I always kept my mouth shut.

She huffs and leaves my room. I walk over to my bed and fall back on my pillows and cry.

A light touch on my shoulder pulls me from despair. “Annie girl.” It’s Daddy’s gentle voice. “Your mom told me about your little talk.”

I reach up and wrap my arms around his neck. He sits on the bed so he can hold me as I cry. He rubs my back and consoles me. He’s always been there for me. It was Daddy who took care of me and cooked for me. “I’m sorry you’ve been feeling this way. Your mom and I thought about divorcing, but it just didn’t seem right. I know about those other men, Annie,” he says like a sad confession.

My head rears back. “You do?”

He nods. “I found out a while back and still decided to stay. I love the farm. I love you, and that’s been enough in my life.The only thing I regret is not running things properly because we could end up losing this place, and I know how much you love it.”

Daddy’s eyes fill with tears. He’s a big burly guy, but he’s all heart. “Oh, Daddy.” I go back to hugging him.

“We’ll figure something out.”

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