Page 23 of Desperate Vows

My mom was beautiful.

There was a long moment of silence. He agreed with me, no doubt.

You take after her.

Gulp. I’d had a few people tell me that, but not many. When stacked against my mom, come on, she was a freaking beauty queen.

You really think so?

I really think so.

Before giving it too much thought, I typed out a text and hit send.

Why are you texting me?

Silence. He was probably thinking of a smart comeback. I sighed and set the phone down.

Just as a knock came from the door, my phone chimed again. There on the screen were the six most wonderful words I’d read in a long time.

Because I was thinking about you.

He was thinking about me. Sexy-as-all-get-out Lucas Kalantzis was thinking about me. I thought my underwear might catch fire.

I’ve thought about you too. I have to try on more dresses now.

Okay. If you need anything, call me.

Okay.

There was another knock. I expected Shanna to stick her head in, but it was Thea holding a bag with a dress in it.

“I did a little more looking. I think I?—”

Just the sight of a dress had me weepy again. All I wanted to do was cry. No, all I wanted was my momma.

She entered the rest of the way, hung the dress on a hook, and perched next to me. “You’re not what I expected.”

“I’m worse?” I gave a small laugh.

“No, better.”

I was so shocked that I jerked my gaze to her. “Oh.”

She took a breath. “I’ve grown up with boys, so being friends with women has always been hard for me. They’re too…frilly. I like guns and knives and things my brothers love. I think it might be nice to have a sister.”

“Really?”

She put her arms around me and squeezed. “It’s going to be okay. Lucas…Lucas is dangerous. He’s vicious. He’s the head of our family, and he must make decisions that aren’t always black and white, but he’ll never hurt you. You might even grow to love him one day.”

We sat there for a moment. “I’d love to have a cool sister.”

I felt her laughter before I heard it. “Well, not everyone can be as cool as me.” She released me, stood, and walked to the door. “If you tell anyone I was sappy, I’ll chuck your body in Lake Michigan.”

“I promise all anyone will ever hear me say is that you threatened me with knives. I was never more scared in my life.” I smiled.

Laughter went all the way to her eyes. “Try the dress on. I’ll see you out there.”

I waited until the door was shut and jumped to my feet. A little hope had returned. I unzipped the bag, and my spirits were lifted instantly. It was so plain it could blend into a white wall. I already loved it.

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