Total pages in book: 248
Estimated words: 236036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1180(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 787(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 236036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1180(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 787(@300wpm)
Urgh. Only one sandal. Oh well.
She looked around the school. She was so glad she didn’t have to go to school anymore. Not the best time of her life. Not that she’d been bullied. Nobody would dare with her brothers. Most people were more interested in using her to get close to them. But school had been tough for her. She’d never been good at learning. Reading, writing, mathematics, all of it had been a struggle. And she’d never quite fit in at school.
She could just leave. But she was worried about the small man-child. Maybe she’d just go and see what was going on.
Following the signs, she walked toward the school office and into a room to find Wyatt sitting on a chair in a small waiting room with his father looming over him.
This wasn’t a good start.
“What were you thinking? You hit another child? You can’t do things like that,” Jeb said.
This isn’t your business.
It’s nothing to do with you.
But as Wyatt turned and she saw the bruise on his cheek she felt her temper stir. Along with another feeling. Something that felt like protectiveness. Strange, she couldn’t remember ever feeling protective of anyone before.
“So what did the other kid do?” she asked as she strolled up to them, reaching into her pocket. She pulled a raspberry lollipop out of her pocket, unwrapping it. Then she popped it into her mouth.
Jeb startled, glancing over at her, then back to Wyatt. “The other kid did something to you?”
Wyatt remained quiet with a stubborn look on his face.
“He or she must have,” she said. “I’m sure Wyatt wouldn’t have gotten into a fight without a reason.”
Wyatt’s face was filled with surprise as he stared up at her. Had Jeb not thought about why Wyatt had gotten into a fight? It seemed to her like he didn’t understand his son at all.
“Wyatt? Did this other boy do something to you? Is that why you got into a fight?” Jeb demanded.
She sat in the seat next to Wyatt. Reaching into her pocket she drew out another lollipop. “Here, small man-child, you look like you could use this.”
Wyatt reached out, his hand trembling, and took the lime lollipop.
“I’m not sure that sugar is the best idea right now,” Jeb said.
“Of course it is,” she replied as she placed her leg over the arm of the chair and swung it back and forth. “Sugar is the answer to everything. Ask me a question. I’m certain the answer is sugar.”
“What’s the meaning of the universe?” Wyatt asked.
“Sugar. See? I’ve missed you, small man-child.”
Wyatt sent her a small smile.
“Do you need some ice for that face?” she asked.
“I’m all right.”
“The two of you don’t even know each other,” Jeb said with exasperation. “You talked for ten minutes a few days ago. How can you have missed him?”
“Is there a certain amount of time you need to talk to someone in order to become their friend?” she asked him around the lollipop in her mouth.
Jeb shot her another look. “Don’t talk with your mouth full.”
Sheesh.
His gaze moved back to Wyatt. “Tell me what’s going on.”
Wyatt still didn’t say anything.
“You got some beef with another kid, small man-child?” she asked.
“You know my name is Wyatt,” the boy said to her.
Casey shrugged. “I like to give my friends nicknames.”
“Have you given Papa a nickname?”
She eyed Jeb. “Well, I’m not sure we’re friends just yet. So I’ll have to wait and see.”
“Small man-child is a long nickname,” Wyatt pointed out.
“You’re right. How about Sugar? You know how much I like sugar.”
Wyatt gave her a small smile. She took that as a win. But she was all too aware of Jeb still standing in front of them, tense and waiting. She better get on with this before he exploded.
“So you’re in some trouble?” she asked.
Wyatt shrugged. “I guess so. The principal seemed kind of mad.”
“Best you tell your dad what happened so he knows how to handle this with the principal. He can’t fight the good fight without being armed with all the information.”
Wyatt gave her a confused look. “Papa won’t fight for me.”
“Wyatt, what makes you think I wouldn’t fight for you?” Jeb crouched in front of him. “You’re the most important thing in my life. I’d do anything for you.”
“I thought the ranch was the most important thing in your life,” Wyatt replied.
Ouch.
Casey felt that blow as though it was inflicted on her. She actually flinched so she could only imagine how bad Jeb felt.
“No, Wyatt, the ranch is a thing, but you are my son. You’re the most important thing. And I’m sorry if I have never made that clear to you.”
Wyatt turned his gaze away and swallowed heavily. She kind of felt like she shouldn’t be here right now. But she was also too scared to move and ruin it.