Page 38 of Everlasting Promises

Desolation fills my heart, spilling across my bed, and oozing across my bedroom.

I openthe door to Mom, just like I do every other weekday morning, except today I can’t look her in the eye for fear she’ll see my shame.

“Morning, sweetheart,” she sings, then kisses my cheek as she passes.

“Morning, Mom.” I push the door closed behind her, then pull it back open when I spot Dad climbing the porch steps. “Morning, Dad.”

He wraps his arms around me, tugging me in tight to his body, and I wonder if he can tell that I cheated on my husband. “Morning, sweetie.”

“What are you doing here?”

He tilts his head to the side as he slips off his boots. “Can’t a guy stop by to say hello to his daughter and grandson once in a while?”

“Well, yeah, but it’s odd to see you when you’re normally at work.”

He shrugs as he steps past me. “Felt like saying hello. Felt like a day off.”

I smile. “Well … hello.”

He chuckles as we head toward the kitchen where Mom’s chatting with Evan. Her wide eyes lift to me, and a devious grin stretches across her face. “Really? He stayed and watchedGuardians of the Galaxywith you guys on Saturday night?”

“Yeah, and Rex fell asleep with his head on my feet. It was so cool.”

Mom giggles and plucks at the longer strands on top of his head. “I love this new style.”

Oh, god.

“Yeah, it’s exactly the same as Ben’s,” he says excitedly, not realizing the fuel he’s adding to Mom’s imagination. Her eyes snap up to me, sparkling with delight, and her mouth forms a smallO. “You should have seen Rex and Ben chase down a thief at the beach after we had lunch at theBlue Goose.”

Geez, Ev. Shut up already. He never talks this much when it’s just the two of us. Now he’s decided to share every moment of his Saturday with Mom and Dad. Seriously?

“Ev, have you packed your backpack for school?” I widen my eyes, waiting for his response.

His eyebrows scrunch together, and he looks at me like I’ve lost my ever-loving mind. “Well, no. I just woke up.”

“Well, get ready for school. I’ve gotta go.”Before Mom starts her inquisition. I can’t deal with it this morning. I had to put on extra concealer this morning to hide the dark circles beneath my eyes.

I grab my coffee and kiss Ev on top of his head. “Be good for Nanna and Grandad, and have an awesome day at school.” I widen my eyes. “Behave.”

He rolls his eyes. “I’ve been good, Mom. Promise.”

“Keep it up! I’ll see you at our usual pick up spot after school. And don’t be late; you have soccer practice this afternoon.” I lean into Mom. “Thanks, Mom. Have a great day.”

“Oh, I will.” She grins, and I can tell by the excitement in her eyes—and the tone of her voice—that she’s made assumptions she has no business making.

Dad wraps his arm around my shoulder and whispers in my ear. “Your mother is going to be unbearable today. I can tell.” He kisses my temple. “Have a good day, sweetie.”

I smile at him. “Thanks, Dad. You too.” I step away and grab my purse. “Don’t work too hard on your day off.” I’m sure Mom has a list of things to do waiting for him at home.

He jabs his thumb to his chest and widens his eyes. “Me? Never!”

I make my escape out the front door and exhale a long breath. My hand curls around the door handle of my car, and the tightness across my shoulders releases.

“Sweetheart?”

My muscles lock tight again as I open my door. Mom steps up close and leans her arm on top of my door, ensuring I can’t close her out. “It sounds as though Evan really enjoys Ben’s company.”

I nod. “Yeah, he does. They’ve become fast friends.” I toss my purse across to the passenger seat and drop into the driver’s seat, situating my coffee in the cup holder.

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