Page 108 of The Sculptor

The last time we were at the cabin, Duke couldn’t stand it. Why would he want to go back?

Something in the back of my mind tells me I know.

This time, it isn’t the same.

Everything has changed. Our future has come to fruition.

“So,” Remington says, changing the subject. “I’m supposed to stop at a gas station for beef jerky and a vanilla milkshake.” His lip curls. “And try it with you. Apparently, you guys have a bet going.”

Oh. My. Freaking. Heart. We did! Duke claimed we had to stop so many times for me to pee because I upset Remington’s environment with the jerky and milkshake. I swore he liked the concoction, but Duke disagreed.

Now he’s allowing me to find out for myself. Oh, this man knows the way back to my heart.

“Duke really asked you to try it with me?”

Remington chokes like he’s fighting back a gag. “I’ll be honest; he had to pay me. Beef jerky and milk anything sounds like a bad night.”

I don’t even care that Duke bribed him—I hear it’s one of the most effective ways of convincing children to do what you want. And Duke always needs convincing to do anything. It’s no surprise Remington is the same way.

“Well, it’s not a bad night,” I assure him. “It’s a magical experience for your tastebuds.”

He belts out a laugh, tossing his head back. “All right, let’s do it.”

He gags.

Twice.

And then has to dance around to swallow it down.

I narrow my eyes. “You reacted just like Duke did.”

He casts me a wary look. “While I make it a point never to agree with Dr. Drab, this is pretty disgusting.” He lights up a cigarette and holds up his hands, telling me to wait to say anything about it. “You owe me a cigarette to get this taste out of my mouth.”

He makes another face and inhales.

I can’t even find it in me to care he’s destroying his lungs at the moment. All I can think is that he shared a moment with me—a moment his father told him I needed.

And it was everything.

“So, you ready to smack your husband for being an idiot?” He puts out his cigarette and cocks a brow. “I’m sure he deserves a few. Or I can loan you my belt, if you want to get him as he runs.”

“Oh my gosh.” I double over laughing. “No. I think we’ll be fine just yelling at each other.”

He shrugs. “If you change your mind, just know I don’t mind holding him down.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

For this day to have started shitty, it’s sure turned out to be a dream come true.

Five-and-a-half hours in the car with my son wasn’t enough time.

“Are you happy with Vance and Halle?” I finally ask as we get close to the cabin.

The question has been weighing on my mind since he started telling me the story of how he found Halle, who was looking for Vance, at a dingy motel.

Remington nods, but it’s tense.

“You can be honest,” I tell him. “I’m grateful they cared for you for the last year. I would never want to force you from your home. Duke and I are happy to be part of your life in any capacity. Even if you decide it’s just as your friend.”

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