Page 49 of Roam

“I’m sorry, Sprite. I shouldn’t have raised my voice. I refuse to be like our parents were. I’ll check on the money. I have half my salary deposited every month. I’ll get the info from you and change where it’s going. Did the attorney take care of everything, so if Blake gets sick you can do what’s needed?”

Sprite nodded, then realized that her brother couldn’t see her. She was warring between being so happy to hear his voice and mad. He’d apologized but he wasn’t going to solve anything it sounded like.

“Yes, I have temporary custody of Blake and can make all medical decisions. I guess I need to know what your plans are.”

Sprite held her breath, waiting to hear what he said. She loved Blake with all her heart, and it would kill her to lose her, especially if Liam took her far away.

“My plans haven’t changed even though Mackenzie has changed hers. I’m career Army. I’ll try to take leave in the next six months but what I uncovered has to be taken care of. I can’t leave my team in the lurch.”

Sprite breathed deep and realized she’d known the answer before she asked. Her brother was a patriot who was a protector at his core. He had a burning need to serve and make the world a better place. She couldn’t fault him because she loved that about him. But how do you explain that to a six-year-old?

“I understand and I’m proud of you. How do we tell Blake?”

It was so quiet from the phone and around the farm that Sprite could hear the insects buzzing in the fields. She waited and Liam didn’t say anything. Sprite did not want to be the one telling Blake and honestly, freaking Liam needed to man up and have some balls.

“I think we need to set up a time for me to call and then you can all be there to help her through it. Going forward, I’ll try to see her once a year at least.”

Sprite sniffed. She understood but this was going to break Blake’s heart.

“Hey, Liam, this is Roam. I want to thank you for your service. I served along with my brother right after we graduated high school. Do you and Blake write? I know sometimes you’re unavailable but when you can, do you send letters?”

Sprite swallowed. She was glad Roam had talked because she didn’t know what else to say. Sure, she was thrilled she got to be Blake’s mom, but she wanted her brother here too.

“I haven’t but she’s old enough I could. I’ll get the address and I’ll try for once a month.”

Roam squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. Thank goodness, she’d found him. She couldn’t imagine how she’d feel if she was still in the house in Oklahoma with no job and knowing she was on her own.

“Okay, I’m glad you’re safe, Liam. It’s early morning here. When do you want to set up the call with Blake?”

“Let’s do tonight at seven pm your time. It will be early morning here too. Love you, Sprite.”

She hung up and turned to Roam and Matthew. She kissed Matthew’s forehead. She sniffed but then decided she couldn’t change what was. She was going to find a way to get through this rough patch. Part of it might include taking Blake to see the puppies tomorrow.

“Are you okay?” Roam whispered against her hair.

“I will be but only because I know you’re with me.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Roam stood in the kitchen listening to Blake talk to her dad on the phone. Sprite was sitting with her in the family room with it on speaker. His dad and mom had taken the other kids into Grant’s room to play so they could deal with any fallout from the call. His heart ached for Blake.

Roam didn’t know whether to be thankful that Blake would be a part of their family and he wouldn’t be losing the little girl he’d fallen in love with or be freaking mad at Liam for not even taking leave for at least six months. He completely understood his drive to serve and admired it, but Blake was too young to understand all that.

“So Mama Sprite will stay my mom and I’m staying here?” Blake’s young voice quivered as she asked.

“Honey, I love you, but my job is overseas. Mama Sprite and Roam are going to take care of you. We can write and I’ll try to call but lots of times phones aren’t available. I love you, Blake.”

Roam waited to see how the call was going to end. He didn’t want to butt in, but he wanted to take the pain away of what Sprite and Blake were going through.

“I love you, Dad, but I’m not happy I won’t see you,” Blake said and then Roam heard silence.

“Blake,” Sprite said.

“No!” Blake yelled, then Roam heard something fall. He started to head to the front room, but Blake stomped into the kitchen.

“Blake,” Roam said.

“You’re not my dad!” she yelled.

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