Page 83 of Tangled Trust

Ella and I share a secret glance. She looks down at her plate and blushes.

"Yeah! Woody is a brave name," he continues.

"Oh? How so?"

"Haven’t you watched Toy Story, Aunty Sophie? Woody saves his friends from the bad guy."

"Oh, yes. That’s right. A fine choice, Jagger. And what if it’s a girl?"

Jagger stares at Sophie as if the thought hadn’t occurred to him.

"Nah! It’s a boy."

"Woody Moore. It does have a certain ring to it," my sister grins at me.

"It could have been worse," I whisper when Jagger is distracted. "It could have been Hacksaw. Jagger’s a huge Avatar fan."

"Goodness. Okay, Woody, it is," she laughs.

"Right, little man. It’s bedtime for you," Ella announces after we’ve finished dessert. "Excuse us, please, guys."

"Aah, can’t I stay up a little later tonight?"

"You have a very busy day tomorrow, sweetheart," she says, kissing him on the cheek.

"Ugh! Fine. Goodnight Daddy. Goodnight, Aunty Sophie."

"Sleep well, pumpkin," Sophie smiles.

"I’ll come and tuck you in after your bath, big guy."

Jagger and Ella leave the table.

"She’s very good with Jagger."

"I know, she has him eating out of her hand," I agree.

"I’m happy for you, Carter. I think Ella is going to make you very happy."

"That means a lot to me, Sophe."

"Well, you have my blessing. Not that you need it."

"Thanks. I know I don’t need it, but it’s wonderful all the same."

"It’s been so good spending time with you, Sophie."

"The feeling is mutual, Ella. You let me know if you need anything, you hear?"

"I will, thank you."

I’ve enjoyed the few days spent with Carter’s sister. She is a loving woman, and she’s gone out of her way to make me feel like a part of the Moore clan. I’ve always longed for a sister. I hope that my relationship with her will blossom into something special. It certainly has gotten off to a good start.

I stay behind at the house while Sophie and Carter leave for the airport. I’m filled with trepidation tonight. My secret has been weighing heavily on me. Meeting Sophie has only made it worse. I feel terrible for having lied to everyone. I’m in so deep now that it’s time to do something about it, or I won't have the strength to do it later.

It’s around 9 p.m. when Carter returns to the house. He snuggles up next to me on the couch in the bedroom, where I’ve been chatting with Anna on my laptop.

"Hey, there. You look nice and snug," he smiles.

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