Page 56 of Salvation

“I know.”

My face scrunches, and a nervous laugh escapes. “What?”

“Oh, please. I’ve seen how that boy has watched you since you two were running around in the field and flinging mud at each other. It’s about time.” She then waves a finger up and down my body. “Plus, you’ve got that sex glow going on. And my new favorite daughter told me he stayed the night.”

“Mom.” I bury my face in my hands. This woman has no filter. And Elain has a big mouth.

When I look back up, she’s smiling at me though, all trace of humor gone. Her eyes, a bit watery, but so full of love. “I’m happy for you, baby. You know that, right?”

“I know.” I smile at her, and it’s genuine. A survivor, just like myself, stands before me. And while we may have survived two different things, I know I got the strength to pull myself back together from her. The thought makes me stay just a moment longer.

“Mom?”

“Hmm?”

“I just want to thank you for getting Elain’s mother help.” Her eyes snap up to meet mine once she hears the shake in my voice. “And…and I just want to say that I’m not mad at you. I never was. I left because it’s what I thought was best. And maybe it was for the best…or maybe it wasn’t.” I shrug.

"I don't know if I could have healed if I stayed." Tears threaten to burn the back of my eyes, but I blink them back, "The only thing I was sure of when I left was that I was not ready to face my monster. I was not ready for the entire world to know what he did to me. But I don’t blame you for anything that happened. And I hope you don’t blame yourself either.”

She doesn’t hide her watery smile as she comes forward to take my hands in hers. "I am so,soproud to be your mother, Blake. I'm sorry that I wasn't there. That you felt like you couldn't run to me. I can't change what happened, but I can promise thatI'll be here for the rest of it if you'll let me. As your mother, it breaks my heart that this life has never been easy on you, but it made you the woman you are today. Not because of me or your father, but because in spite of us. Youchooseto be better.Dobetter." She hugs me, and for the first time in a long time, I feel the crack in our relationship begin to mend. One I’ll make sure to keep filled for the rest of our lives. At the same time I go to bounce off the steps, a familiar sheriff’s car pulls into my mother’s driveway. I look over my shoulder; my mother’s face is beet red as her eyes bounce from me to the car.

“You know you deserve to be happy, too, right?" I ask. Some of the color lessens from her face, and it softens when she realizes I’m not as oblivious as she hoped. “Just…no little siblings. Little late for that.”

We laugh, and she rushes forward to kiss me on the cheek once more before I leave. I meet Sheriff Eaton halfway from where he exits his car, and he nods in acknowledgment. Swallowing nervously and looking from me to behind my shoulder at where my mom waits. “Blake.”

“Mr. Eaton.” I smile and cock my head at him. “You love her, don’t you?” His eyes widen just enough for confirmation, so I land a hand on his shoulder and give it a shake. "Then what the hell are you doing?”

He nods, sucking in a breath and continuing the rest of the way to mom. Thatlook. I don’t need to stay around to know what happens next. My chest fills with a blinding happiness at my mom’s happy ending.

Chapter 59

Blake

Ihum along to the music blasting through my headphones as I finish wrapping up the last of the cookies.

Whitney hasn’t been feeling her best now that the pregnancy is getting farther along, so I offered to help with some of the prep for the festival, hoping to take some weight off her shoulders. It’s one of her family recipes. A cornbread cookie drizzled with honey and a delicious frosting. Something I’ve never had before but is now easily a favorite. Just as I tie the last orange bow around the plastic bag, a hand sneaks around my waist and hauls me from the ground. A shriek leaves my lips, first from fear and then excitement when I recognize the smell and warm hands. I turn around and slap Wesley’s chest playfully as I pull an earbud out. “You scared me!”

“That was the point.” He quirks a brow and then plants a quick kiss on my cheek. It causes the butterflies in my stomach togo haywire. He glances around the kitchen, a mess from all the baking I’ve been doing today. “Smells good.”

I turn around, his arm still wrapped around my middle, and break off a piece from some of the extra cookies I made to keep. I pop it into his mouth, and he nods his head, moaning dramatically. “Yup. That’s good.”

"But I think I want something a little bit sweeter.” He says on a breath, gaze slowly and deliberately dropping to my lips. Now I’m the one moaning ashis fingers tangle in my hair, and he picks me up, placing me on the counter. His lips never leave mine. My mouth parts as his tongue darts out, both of us battling for dominance. He begins trailing one of his rough hands up my thigh until my skirt is bunched messily at my waist. And then he’s yanking my head back and gripping the middle of my tank, pulling it down roughly until my breasts are pouring out over the fabric. I gasp at the sudden movement, and my palms land on the counter behind me to steady myself. His eyes darken as he takes in the sight of me sprawled on the counter, legs spread and chest on full display. My pussy aches with need as I watch him look at me. Look at me like he hasn't eaten in days, and I'm the only thing on the menu.

"No panties?” He murmurs, voice rough.

Those blue eyes are glazed over with pure lust, and I squirm beneath the heat of his stare. I shake my head, unable to give him a verbal answer. His grip tightens on my hair, eliciting a sharp moan from my lips. “I asked you a question, Blake.”

“N-No.”

He hums in approval. “You’re dripping all over the counter, sweetheart. I haven’t even touched you yet.” His head cocks as his eyes roam over my wet heat. He brushes the pad of his thumb over my sensitive clit, teasing me with slow, lazy swirls. “You want me to play with this sweet cunt?”

“Yes.”

“Say please, then.”

He wants me tobeg.

“Please, Wesley.” I cry and buck my hips forward, desperate for even the slightest friction. “Touch me.”

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