Page 108 of My Promise To Keep

‘Look after my baby, Leo.’

‘Always.’

‘Okay, you two, get on the road,’ Bree says, grinning like the cat that got the cream.

‘Where’s your first stop?’ Cara asks as we climb into the car.

‘Somewhere between here and New Orleans. We’ll find somewhere when we get sick of driving.’

I smile, knowing damn well that in two hours, we’ll be in the same Atlanta hotel we stayed in before, but not wanting to share that story.

‘Oh, my lord.’ Mama holds a hand to her chest. ‘I want photos and updates. I want to know you’re safe.’

‘Mama, we’re going to be fine.’ She takes my hand and leans down to me. ‘This is good, okay?’

‘I know, baby.’ She steps back. ‘Go on then, go, have fun.’

‘Come on, y’all need to get on the road,’ Merv encourages, handing me a large paper bag through the open window. ‘I packed you some food in case you can’t find anywhere to stop.’

‘Merv.’ I hold his hand as he smiles down at me. ‘Thank you.’

‘Come on now, you two, get on the road.’ He taps the back of my hand and steps to Mama’s side.

Leo gazes softly across at me for a moment before we both settle back, buckling up, then looking out at the people we love.Not just our family, but our friends, Bud and Lacey, Gus and Fi, who drove down to Forest Falls, and the people of this town who all wanted to see us off.

‘We’re lucky,’ I say quietly, and Leo takes my hand.

‘We sure are, baby.’

What The Hell Is That?

Leo

Eight Months Later

‘It’s a beautiful day.’

I glance across at Zoe as we drive along the country road. She’s giddy to be back in South Carolina, even if she’s not saying it.We’re heading back to Forest Falls to see our family after the most incredible eight months together.

‘It is. You want to make ‘em wait an extra day and head to the lake?’

‘My mom would have an aneurysm.’

I laugh. Lynnie has been so supportive of us and loved all our updates. She’s even been to visit us in California, but she’s missed having her baby girl close by.

‘We have a lot to tell them.’ I concentrate on the road.

‘Yeah.’

I glance across again and see the soft smile on her face and the look of love in her eyes as she gazes across at me. I love this woman.

‘My baby. Oh, mybaby.’

Lynnie squeals as the car comes to a stop, and she practically tears the door off to get to Zoe. I laugh as I climb out and find my dad’s waiting arms.

‘Son.’ He pats my back and kisses my temple before passing me off to Lucy, and as she hugs me, I hear the shouts oftwinniebehind me, knowing Zoe and Bree are locked in an embrace that will probably last all night.

I turn to see Doug wrestle his way between his sisters to steal Zoe away, and then it happens.

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