Page 22 of Kiss From A Rose

I glanced at her. Well, why shouldn't she think it was a moment to celebrate because even my brother, who knew me better, thought that?

"What?" Bonnie asked when she saw how sullen Holden and I looked.

"I didn't want her to leave me, Bonnie," I explained tightly.

"Really? Because it seemed like you did. And Mama Rutherford told everyone who'd listen how your prenup was set up. She told me that Rose hadn't even read it; just signed it. Foolish girl, that's what your mama said. I had my lawyers go through my agreement with Holden with a fine-tooth comb." Bonnie turned to her husband. "Darlin', can I have a glass of wine?"

Holden left the den to find her something to drink.

She leaned forward conspiratorially. "Gray,pleasedo not marry your assistant. I mean, it's fine to do whatever it is y'all are doin', but just don't, you know, make her a Rutherford. Took you long enough to get rid of Rose and—"

"Bonnie, I love my wife," I cut in. "Fuckin'love her. I'mnothaving an affair with Aimee. I love my wife. I want my wife back."

Bonnie looked as confused as I felt. "No one thinks you love your wife, Gray," she scoffed.

"Yeah, I'm beginning to realize that I've been a class-A asshole to Rose."

"Well, at least she can't take anything from you, so that's a relief."

"Relief for whom?"

"All of us who care about you and the twins."

"You want my wife to have no money? To be fucking destitute after twenty years of marriage?" I got up, feeling bile rise inside me. "Why? She's an amazing wife and mother. Why do you dislike her so much?"

"Honestly, Gray, the question is, why doyou?" Bonnie threw back at me.

"I don't dislike her, not even a little bit."I fucking love her.

"The way you treat her and the way your kids treat her in front of you? I don't think so. Holden and I may have our issues, but if our boys ever talked to me the way Jude talked to Rose, he'd lose his shit."

Holden came back with a glass of red wine and set it in front of Bonnie.

"It's the Syrah that was already open."

"Thanks, hon."

Holden sat next to his wife. "I was thinking about it, and you know who'll know where Rose is? Leah. They were close. I'd talk to her."

CHAPTER 9

Rose

"Willow, hey, baby. It's Mama. I hope you're well. I wanted to call and see how you're doin'. This is my new number, and you can call me any time. Say hi to Mike for me, darlin'. Big hugs and lots of kisses. I love you, baby girl."

I put my phone down.

Of course, she didn’t pick up. She used to ignore my calls when she recognized my number—why would she answer now when it’s coming from an unknown one?

I breathed deeply when I pulled up Jude's contact information. He looked so much like Gray and, for some reason, had decided that I was the villain in his story. I didn't know when my sweet boy became the one who made fun of me, said that I wasn'tcollege educated, insinuated I wasn't smart or clever, and that I was stupid. But he was my baby, and there was nothing he could do that would make me turn away from him. Gray was myhusband, and I could walk away from him, but not my children. If they ever needed me, I'd be there come hell or high water.

"Jude Rutherford, here."

I almost hung up; I hadn't expected him to pick up. I was prepared to leave a message but not talk to him. I regrouped quickly. "Jude, it’s—"

"Mama?"

"How y'all doin', son?"

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