Page 54 of Rocky

“I have a better idea…I’ll show you.”

We drove for about thirty minutes and ended up in a neighborhood on the outskirts of Onyx City in a small wealthy town called Onyx Springs. The gated community was lined with mansions occupied by professional athletes and other wealthy families.

“What are we doing here?”

He stopped outside one of the gates, cut the engine, then retrieved his phone from the console. After swiping the screen a few times, he gave it to me. I studied the screen, reading the description and swiping through the pictures.

“That’s this house, and I put an offer in on it.”

“Rock, this house is?—”

“I know how much it costs, but I think it’s perfect for thirteen people.”

“Thirt—thirteen people? You mean you want all of us to live together?”

“Baby, I know you don’t want to leave your sisters. Sage and Violet are still minors, and even though Daisy and Blossom are adults, they’re still trying to figure it out.”

“What about Rose?”

“She’s giving Russell a hard time, but I have faith they’ll end up together. This is unorthodox, but that’s okay. This is what will make us all happy.”

“How does your family feel about it?”

“They love the idea and have been waiting for me to talk to you about it.”

“Are there enough bedrooms for everyone?”

“The basement is set up like an apartment. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a living space. I was thinking Rose, Daisy, and Blossom could have that area. There are three bedrooms on the main floor, four upstairs, and an in-law suite in the back that has two bedrooms. Russell already claimed it. There’s even a place for me and Russell to store our bikes during the cooler months. We’ll have plenty of room.”

“You’ve really thought this out.”

“I have, but I know you need time to process and talk to your sisters. The house has been on the market for almost a year, and the price has dropped several times.”

“I wonder why it hasn’t sold.”

“Because God was saving it for us.”

He started his truck and drove away from what might be our new home. Although I hadn’t seen the inside yet, I was sold, and I hoped my sisters were on board.

After being abused by Deacon for years and losing my parents, I didn’t plan to ever give another man the opportunity to hurt me. I didn't think I needed anything else as long as I had my son, my sisters, and the flower shop.

However, Rocky entered my life and changed my whole perspective. He made me realize that not all men were like Deacon. His willingness to protect me without knowing who or what he was protecting me from spoke volumes about the type of man he was.

Our relationship was still new, and we learned something new about each other every day. I was grateful for the man Rocky was, not only to me but also to my son. Their relationship was so genuine that watching them together often brought tears to my eyes.

If I haven’t learned anything else, I learned never to judge a book by its cover. Sometimes, the rough exterior that might make you turn up your nose is protecting a heart of gold.

Six Months Later

As we drove away from our possible future home, my phone rang through the Bluetooth. Russell’s name flashed across the display.

“Wassup?” I answered.

“Joe called an emergency meeting. Where you at?”

“Headed back that way. I need to drop Rue off.”

“Nah. No time for that. Rose is with me, and we’ll meet you there. They can take my car, and I’ll ride home with you.”

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