Page 104 of Tangled Trust

"I take it this is the call you’ve been wanting to make for a while now, Carter," I say before he can attack. "Your Ella is going to go for the jugular, isn’t she?" I say, feeling defeated.

"Can you come over to the house, please?"

"What? Now?"

"In an hour."

"Uh…okay."

I guess bad news is better delivered when the punisher can see the fear on the punished party’s face. Serves me right, I guess. I have made a terrible mess of things. I have no one to blame but myself.

Thank God the baby is okay, or I’d be up for manslaughter charges. I want this day to be over.

* * *

I can tell that Amanda is afraid. She is pale and wringing her hands as she sits in the living room.

"I’m so sorry, Ella," she says demurely. "I never intended for you to get hurt. I know you have no reason to believe me, but I swear it’s true."

"You did a foolish and wicked thing, Amanda," Ella starts. "But I’m not looking for vengeance. I know you don’t believe it, but I care very much for Carter and Jagger, and I don’t want to be the reason you’re taken away from Carter’s son."

Amanda doesn’t utter a word. Her face is one of shock. I must say, I’m pretty incredulous about Ella’s attitude too. It takes a special kind of person to forgive others' vicious ways.

"You’re a lucky woman, Amanda," I add. "I was ready to throw the book at you but for Ella’s insistence that we not lay charges against you. You’d better hope that the prosecutor is as forgiving as the woman you tried to harm."

"I’m truly sorry, Ella," Amanda says without looking up. "Thank you."

"It’s fine, Amanda. Perhaps we could still get along down the road."

"I hope so," my ex agrees.

* * *

"Hey, babe. How are you feeling today?" Carter asks me when I wake up, no doubt looking like death warmed up.

"Much better. My ribcage doesn’t feel like it’s on fire anymore."

"Well, you’re your gorgeous self to me," he smiles.

"Thanks, hon."

"I have something for you," Carter smirks.

"Please, not sexy undies. I’m bruised all over."

"I think you’re going to like this gift," he smiles and kisses me on the forehead.

"Where is it?"

"Close your eyes, and I’ll get it."

I’m intrigued. Carter looks pretty pleased with himself. I close my eyes. I can hear him rustling around for something.

"Okay," he says, "open your eyes."

In front of me is a little box. Is this what I think it is? I haven’t wanted to put any pressure on Carter to make a commitment, but it does bother me that we’ll have a baby soon. I want to be Mrs. Moore more than anything, but I also want my child to have a father who is married to me.

I bring my hand to my mouth and let out a soft squeal of excitement.

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