Page 17 of Ruined
CHAPTER EIGHT
“Is everything okay, Pops?” Pushing into a seated position, I dragged my free hand over my tired face. It was always worrying when family called first thing in the morning.
A sigh filtered through the line before my dad’s voice, “I hope so, son. Your mama isn’t feeling too well so I’m afraid we have to cancel lunch today.” Hearing the concern in my father’s voice had my heart thumping faster.
“Pops, maybe you should take her to the doctor. I know she doesn’t want to go, but I really think she has to.” I couldn’t remember the last time BBQ Sunday was canceled. This was a little unsettling.
“I know, son, I know.” Pops sounded so lost, so defeated. My heart squeezed tightly inside my chest. We said our goodbyes after I promised him that I’d inform the rest of the family. Dropping the device on the bed, I fell back against the headboard, my gaze fixed on the ceiling above me.
As far back as I could remember, I’d wanted the kind of love my parents shared. I closed my eyes and I could still see them cooking together, Pops stealing a kiss here and there, making Mama blush. When kisses weren’t enough, he’d grab her by the waist and twirl her around the kitchen, eliciting the happiest sounds from her.
The day I’d asked Melissa to marry me, that’s where I thought our lives would take us. How wrong I’d been. Soon after, I realized that what my parents had was the exception; true love didn’t exist. When the surrounding people suddenly started falling in love, I was forced to admit that that forever kind of love was meant for everyone except me.
I was good with that because, in all honesty, I wouldn’t be able to put my trust in a woman again. Behind my closed lids, the images of my dancing parents faded to make way for something else. No, not something but someone.
“Shit!” I cursed out loud when Zoe and her beautifully troubled eyes entered my mind. Why did it bother me so much? And why the hell did I have this nagging need to find out what had caused her the pain so evident on her beautiful face?
Moving my fingers in slow circles over my temples, I willed this damn woman to get out of my head. Feeling ticked off, I jerked my body upright, snatched up the phone lying beside me, and fired off a few texts to my brothers and Brett.
As I thought they would, everyone wanted to know if Mama was all right. I really wanted to express my concern, but I felt it was my responsibility to keep everyone calm. So that’s what I did. I was halfway to the bathroom when my phone dinged. It was Logan, informing me that dessert Sunday was still on.
I couldn’t even remember when we started doing it; every Sunday, after the big cookout on the ranch, we’d go home and relax for a few hours and then get together at someone’s place for dessert. We did this every Sunday without fail and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t treasure the moments spent with my family.
I was aware of how I’d alienated people after Molly was born. Pissed off and suspicious had become my default setting. Then the thing with Harper and her ex happened; it forced me to admit that not all lies were bad ones. Sometimes people told untruths to protect the ones they loved the most.
There were a lot of things I regretted doing, I only hoped that someday I could make up for them all.
A quick text to my brother let him know we were good to go for tonight, that left me and Molly with an entire day to ourselves. While I was in the shower, a plan formed. By the time I was dressed and heading down the hallway to Molly’s room, I was bubbling over with excitement.
“Where are we going, Daddy?”
Taking my gaze off the road momentarily, I glanced over at Molly. Her eyes were big and bright. That place in my heart that only she touched tightened. My lips lifted into a half-smile as my gaze returned to the road. “You’ll see.”
“Daaaadddyy, I wanna know now.” My grin widened at her impatience.
“Soon, baby, you’ll know soon.”
I didn’t have to look to know she was frowning at me, which had me breaking out in a laugh. “You certainly don’t get this from me. I have the patience of a saint.”
“That’s not what Grams says.”
“Oh really?” I gave her a quick sideways glance. “What exactly did your grandma say?”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Molly crossing her arms. “I’ll tell you if you tell me where we’re going.”
More laughter bubbled from the pit of my stomach. Next to me, my baby girl did not seem amused. “When did you turn into a master manipulator?” With a shake of my head, I turned right, into the little town we were visiting today.
A few minutes later, I parked in front of the gallery. I made sure to watch Molly’s face as realization dawned. Sure enough, her wide smile and bright eyes warmed me from head to toe. I’d found the little gallery while I was searching for something fun to do with Mols. What made this place so special was the exhibit dedicated to juvenile artists.
She was in awe from the moment we stepped inside. I should’ve been taking in the art myself, but the expressions on my daughter’s face were simply magical. I’d never seen her so invested in anything. She’d spend the longest time admiring the colors and how they blended together.
“Daddy?” Tugging on my arm, she kept her gaze fixed on the beach artfully brushed onto the canvas.
“Yeah, baby.”
Her brows drew together, a frown way too big for her little face marring her forehead. “Do you think I’ll be able to paint like this when I grow up?”
I dropped to my haunches, with my hands on her shoulders, I angled her so she was facing me. “If you put your mind to it, and work really hard, you can do anything you want to.” I wasn’t prepared for her arms to wrap around my neck, I welcomed it nonetheless. Hugging my Molly tight, I made a silent vow that I would do everything in my power to turn all her dreams into a reality.
