Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“Good luck!” Lilibeth and Moreen said at the same time.
“Thanks, guys. Love you all!”
“Text us with an update!” Moreen demanded before we said our goodbyes.
After hitting end, I set my phone down on the kitchen island, drew in a deep breath, and exhaled.
“Just go out there and ask her, Emeline,” I whispered. Another deep fortifying breath, and I marched back toward the garage and opened the door.
For half a second, I panicked. What if I saw something or heard something I didn’t want to hear? I stopped just outside the door. My heart pounded so loudly in my ears that I was sure Levi and Caroline could hear it, too.
“You’re not going to sit back and let this woman take him again,” I whispered as I balled my fists and started toward the open bay door.
I wasn’t sure what I’d expected, but what I ultimately saw was Levi, standing with his arms crossed and a frown on his face, and Caroline pacing back and forth. I stepped back a bit, staying out of sight. I knew it was wrong to eavesdrop, but I couldn’t help myself.
“Levi, we were so good together!”
“We were not, Caroline, and you know it. You admitted to me that you got pregnant on purpose, just so we’d stay together. Plus, let’s not forget the whole cheating on me situation.”
“I had to get pregnant! I was going to lose you!”
“Are we done here? Emeline is waiting for me.”
I heard Caroline stop walking. “I always knew you had a thing for her! The way you showered her with attention and gifts made me sick. She was a baby!”
“What? She was a friend.”
“Are you saying you didn’t have feelings for her?”
“Of course I did, she was…”
My brows shot up. She was what? She was what?
The silence seemed to last forever.
“I won’t deny that if we hadn’t stayed together, something could have happened. I didn’t have all the feelings for Emeline back then that I do now…but maybe deep down, they were already there. I don’t know. We’ve always had a connection.”
“And I saw it, Levi. I saw how you looked at her and how she fawned all over you, even if no one else realized.”
I frowned. I did not fawn over Levi. Ugh, I couldn’t stand this woman.
“Are you saying Emeline was the reason you got pregnant?” he asked.
My hand flew up to my mouth as I waited for Caroline to answer.
“Not the entire reason. But yes, she was part of it. Her and Ensley both. I honestly couldn’t tell which one you liked.”
“Our entire relationship was built on lies and distrust. Can’t you see that?”
“You had a nickname for her! You never called me by any nickname. Then I find out you’re actually dating her. Sure didn’t take you long to move on with your new life, did it?”
“Says the person who cheated during our marriage, which has been over for years. I just didn’t want to admit it. I’m happier than I’ve ever been, and being back in River Falls and dating Emeline are the reasons for that happiness. I’m not going to apologize for it.”
“So this is it? You’re not even going to try?”
“I did try! For a hell of a lot longer than I should have. Sign the divorce papers so we can both get on with our lives!”
I heard her heels clicking on the pavement, a car door open, then slam shut. “Here’s your precious freedom if you want it so bad!”
It sounded like she tossed papers at him. “They’re signed?”
I peeked to see Levi going through the papers.
“Yes! I signed it, okay!” Caroline shouted. “That should make you happy.”
He looked up at her. “We can arrange a meeting with a judge about visitation if you want.”
“I’m moving.”
My head started to spin. What in the hell was wrong with her?
With a humorless laugh, he asked, “Now you’re suddenly moving?”
I decided I’d done enough snooping. This woman was trying to play games, and I was tired of standing in the shadows. I pushed away from the truck and walked out of the garage.
Caroline saw me first and shot me a dirty look. When Levi spotted me, he held out his hand, and my heart tripped over itself. We laced our fingers together and both turned to look at his ex.
She sneered, then rolled her eyes. “I’m moving to Italy, so I won’t be seeking custody of Rhett. Besides, he was always closer to you than to me.”
I was positive my mouth dropped to the ground. “You’re just going to up and leave your son?” I asked. “Only minutes ago, you wanted to see him.”
“This has nothing to do with you, Em.”
“It has everything to do with her. She’s a part of my life; therefore, she’s part of Rhett’s life.”
Caroline rolled her eyes again.
This was my chance. I had to know if she was the one sending the pictures to the paper.