Page 188 of Debts and Desires
“Enough to buy Macon County and more.”Holy shit.“And it’s all mine…”
“But?” I prompted. He looked away.
“But I have to be happily married, not just for convenience, and have at least one baby, either born or on the way, before I turn thirty-two. If I failed to do so, the money would default to Jed.”
When I didn’t say anything, he turned his body toward me, eyes frantically searching mine.
“I’m sorry, baby. I should’ve told you, just didn’t know how. Idon’t want you to think that I’m only with you ‘cause of it. I’d choose you,” his hands met my belly, “and our baby over the money every time. Every damn time, Emmy.” He had mistaken my silence for being upset with him. I wasn’t. I was just thinking. All those times Jed had come by, I realized he was trying to intervene. That’s why he tried to scare me off. It was more than likely what he was yelling at Carter for tonight, too.
I reached out, touching his cheek and said, “I’m not mad, Carter.”
“Why not? You should be.”
“I’m mad at your father. That’s why he was coming here, to scare me away so that you didn’t get it. That’s what he meant by telling me the truth, wasn’t it?”
“Partially.” He adjusted in his seat again. “Yes, Jed has done everythin’ to keep me from it. You remember when I told you he used his influence on the town against me?” I nodded. “There’s… I didn’t tell you the complete story. And I need to. I don’t want any secrets between us, Buttercup. It’s what he holds over me and I’m so scared you’ll leave again.”
“I won’t leave you, Carter. I’m here to stay.” It didn’t seem to be enough to convince him. “I promise.”
He sighed.
“I had a girlfriend, Jenny, when I was eighteen. I thought she was my world. I had her over a lot. She was very goal-oriented and we made a lot of plans. We talked about gettin’ married before goin’ off to college. She wanted to be a vet after helpin’ Doc Nelson save a bird with a broken wing. I was gonna go for music theory, like you.” I gave a soft smile, urging him to continue. “At some point, I think dad heard us talkin’ about doin’ all that, then havin’ babies. And it pissed him off.”
There was a pause as he collected himself, his cheeks flushing, hands fidgeting.
“I don’t… I don’t remember doin’ any of it. We had some strong drinks the night before and the last thing I remember was her tellin’ me not to puke on her. Next thing I know, I was havin’ a wet dream. My dad came in screamin’, woke me up and…” he looked away, shaking his head, trying to fight back the tears that were falling. I closed the distance between us and hugged Carter close, a sob wracking his entire body.
“She was cryin’, beggin’ me to stop. I didn’t mean to hurt her. It made me sick. I don’t even know how I got there. I just know he set me up.”
“Shh, shh,” I cooed as he wept.
We sat that way until his cries died down and his breathing became regular. I knew then just how hard this was for him. Jed still had this hold on him, and I hated it.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered. I cupped his cheek and looked into those haunted eyes.
“There’s nothing to be sorry about. I know you. I know you would never hurt anyone like that. Your dad is a monster, Carter, not you. Okay?” He nodded, sniffling a few more times. “What happened after? If you want to tell, that is. You don’t have to.” He gave another nod, wiping his eyes before pulling me into his lap again, holding me close.
“Dad called the police and Officer Jameson arrested me.” He shook his head. “But then Jenny disappeared after leavin’ a note that said I didn’t do it. Said she was lyin’. And all charges against me were dropped.” His eyes met mine. “I know that fucker had somethin’ to do with it, all of it. I know he’s why Jen’s gone. But I never had any proof, like always.” My stomach churned at the thought. What did Jed do to Jenny?
“Thank God for Granddad,” Carter continued. “The whole reason I was at my dad’s anyway was ‘cause Granddad and I got into a fight over somethin’ so stupid, I don’t even remember what it was now.” I grabbed his hands. “He didn’t care about the fight, only about my honor, and did everythin’ in his power to clear my name. And you know the rest. Since then, Jed always brings it up, telling me he has proof or somethin’ that would put me in jail immediately. And then when you came around… He stopped in the shop once, day after Miss Etta blabbed to the whole town, with the same bullshit. Told me that if you didn’t leave, he’d bring out the evidence. I told him to go ahead and do it ‘cause there was no way in hell I was gettin’ rid of you.”
“That’s when he started coming here,” I whispered. I looked up at him. “So, his entire motivation for ruining your life is money?”
“Yep. That and he blamesmefor mama leavin’.”
“How ungodly of him,” I scoffed. But then I swallowed, afraid of the threat Jed still posed. “Does he really have evidence against you?”
“I don’t know. Maybe? If he did, I thought he’d have used it by now. But I also know how that twisted asshole works. He loves mind games. Probably waitin’ for the right moment.” He blew out a breath. “I was serious earlier. I don’t give a shit about the money anymore. I planned on waitin’ ‘til after my birthday before marryin’ you so that he could take it all and leave us the fuck alone.”
“You… plan on marrying me?” His eyes snapped to mine.
“Well, yeah. I’ve wanted to since the fair, when you told me you loved me.”
“When I told you I—” My eyes widened. The whole scenario I had played in my head after the fair had really happened?! My cheeks flushed, making Carter give a soft chuckle.
“I’ve always regretted one thing from that night.”
“What?” I asked, so afraid of what he might say. My mind was racing, unsure of what to expect. I knew there was no reason for it, but with all the extra hormones, my thoughts were all over the place.
