Page 51 of Sin Wagon
“Okay,” I whisper.
“You’ll come!” she exclaims, and I can hear the joy in her voice.
“Yeah, I’ll come.” The decision feels monumental, a step toward something new and unknown.
“Okay, we’ll get a three-bedroom set up and cover it all. Send us the links for the airline tickets and let us know the dates for the movers, and I’ll handle all the arrangements for you.”
I remain silent, trying to comprehend the magnitude of what I have just agreed to.
“Delilah?”
“Yeah.”
“Thank you.” Her gratitude is sincere, and for a moment, I feel a connection, a bridge being built between us.
I sit in silence, the echoes of our conversation playing on repeat in my mind. In Illinois, I will be starting from scratch, building a new life in a place where I have little familiarity. But it also means giving my child the opportunity to experience the warmth and love of a close-knit family, a privilege I never had. I think about my mother, the nightmare she’s always been for me, and how I want to be different for my baby.
I slowly make my way to the window, my gaze fixed on the familiar skyline as tears well up in my eyes, blurring the view. This city has been my home for years, but it doesn’t hold the same comfort it once did. I’m ready for a change, for a new beginning. I place my hand on my belly again, feeling a sense of resolve.
“Derek,” I call, needing to talk to him about the decision. He emerges from the other room, concern etched on his face.
“Everything okay?” he asks.
“I talked to Rhonda. They want me to move to Illinois with you. She said they’ll take care of everything—flights, movers, a place to stay. They want me and the baby to be closer, to be part of their family.” My voice trembles with fear and excitement.
Derek’s eyes widen in surprise. “Wow, that’s a big step. What do you think?”
“I think it’s what’s best for the baby. I want Little Boba to have a family, to be surrounded by love and support. And honestly, I could use a fresh start too.” I look at him, searching for his support.
“You were so convinced Wells was manipulating the situation. What changed your mind?”
I sigh, taking a deep breath before responding. “Rhonda assured me that Wells had no part in the offer. He’s back in Florida, so he doesn’t even know about your job or the invitation being extended to me.”
“Why is he in Florida?” Derek asks.
“Claudia had Jonas arrested,” I inform him, watching his reaction closely.
“Arrested? For what?” Derek shouts.
“For battery. Apparently, she showed up to the station looking like she went a few rounds in an MMA ring,” I explain. “Wells is there to support him through the legal issues.”
Derek nods slowly, processing the information. “That makes sense. I’m glad Wells is there for Jonas. Claudia is a real piece of work. Hopefully, Jonas gets out of it. No way did he hit her. I only met him a few times and can’t see it.”
“Same,” I agree. “For now, let’s focus on getting everything ready for Illinois. It’s a big change, but I believe it’s the right one for us and Little Boba.”
He smiles, his usual reassuring self. “If that’s what you want, I’m with you all the way. We’ll figure it out together.”
His words provide relief for my anxious mind. I nod, feeling a sense of determination. “Okay. Let’s do it.”
As we start planning the move, my mind drifts to what life in Illinois might be like. I imagine holidays with family, birthdays surrounded by people who care, and the baby growing up with grandparents who are present.
As I think about it, a wave of hope washes over me.
“I’m going to give you the life and family you deserve,” I murmur, rubbing a hand over my belly.
Chapter 24
DELILAH
