Page 65 of The Broken Note

“You’re not thinking of doing anything foolish are you?”

“How much, mom?”

“To have a child, you need…”

“I know. Nine months.”

“The deadline is in twelve.”

Twelve months.

One year to get married and have a kid.

She sets her hands on my shoulders. “I don’t want you boys getting into the ring with Jarod. I don’t want any of you to get hurt.”

“We’re already hurt, mom. Look at what he did! He took Zane off the table by turning the woman he likes into his step-sister.”

She flinches. “Yes, perhaps that was uncalled for.”

“Finn isn’t the type to jump into marriage. That’s the only reason dad isn’t messing with him. So that leaves me.”

“What’s that look in your eyes?” She gasps. “You have someone you’re interested in?”

“I do.” I think of Cadey and my heart hammers in my ribs.

“Dutch.”

“Baby-making isn’t a problem.” Cadey wasn’t even thinking of condoms when she was grinding her hips on my lap today. “But I’d have to drag her down the aisle. She’d fight me tooth and nail every step too.”

“If it’s a fight, it means she’s not ready.”

“I’ll make her ready.”

Mom shakes her head. “Dutch, truly liking someone means you don’t force them.”

“So the answer is to let dad win?”

She pins her lips together. Quietly, she says, “It could be someone else. Someone more willing—”

“Whether I get married or not depends on her.” I spear my mother with a determined look. “It’s her or it’s nobody.”

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

CADENCE

Mom didn’t come home all night.

She must have taken enough cash to wild out for a few days. Or maybe she’s trying to avoid me.

The house is eerily silent when I shower and get ready for school. I’m nervous about leaving Vi here alone. It’s been a while since I’ve experienced mom on drugs.

On a good day, mom is… unpredictable.

On a bad one…

Hiding mom’s money bag will definitely piss her off. If mom comes back to find the cash gone, there’s no telling what she’ll do to herself.

To the house.

---