Page 28 of Twisted Redemption
We’ve been trying to go the traditional route to make things more believable, but maybe that was a mistake on our part. Maybe me need to find a way to get ahead of our problems before they even become problems.
I turn to Charlie. “So let’s get married before your mom has a chance to ruin everything.”
She frowns. “How?”
I run my hands through my hair. “Let’s elope. We could have a courthouse wedding and be married in a couple days.”
She opens her mouth but then closes it. “I...”
“I know you have a specific picture in your mind for what you want your wedding day to look like. But let’s face it, Char. I don’t fit into it. So why bother trying to make it work when you don’t even love the man you’re marrying? Save that for when you really get married—to whoever you end up falling in love with.”
She presses her hand to her mouth. Then, dropping it to her lap, she says, “This could all be over so much sooner.”
And I’ll be able to tell Brooke everything.
I glance at the clock. It’s half past noon. “The courthouse is closed from twelve to one. Can you extend your lunch break? We can head over there and apply for a marriage license right now.”
“Oh my god. Oh my god.” Charlie lets out the realest laugh I’ve seen from her in months. She’s been stressed—too stressed—and it’s time to put an end to that.
Charlie flies out of her chair. Her body collides with mine in a hug filled with so much relief I’m afraid she might burst.
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
BROOKE
DISTRACTION. THAT’S WHAT I need. Something to keep my mind off of Blaze.
As I grab my phone, I contemplate texting Liling or Imani.
Eventually, I pull up Alex’s contact.
Brooke: Movie night tonight? Miss you.
Alex: Bring beer.
Happy at his quick reply, I stuff my phone in my pocket. “Angel?” I call out. The cat has been bathing in a patch of sunlight on the living room floor all morning.
When I crouch down next to her, she rolls onto her feet. I stretch my fingers out toward her, letting her sniff and lick them before stroking her back.
We’re still getting used to each other, and I’m going to have to invest in a good lint roller, but I’m happy she’s here. It’s nice to have someone else in this empty, cold house, even if it’s just a cat.
“I’m gonna have to get you some toys,” I murmur. “Maybe even one of those tower things that you can climb all over. Would you like that?”
She just nudges my hand with her head, her tail lazily twitching to one side.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” Smiling, I lie down next to her. I wonder where she was before this. There was an information packet on her next to the note Blaze left, but it didn’t talk about her past that much.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. When I pull it out, my smile drops.
David: We need to talk.
No, we fucking don’t.
I stare at his text, wondering if replying will just make everything worse. After a few minutes, I toss my phone onto the couch. “I’m gonna be in the office. Come find me if you need anything.”
With a kiss on the top of Angel’s head and a small meow from her, I get up. Since the office is the only room I’ve managed to redo so far, it’s becoming the spot I spend the most time in.