“You’re used to swanky hotels or your black-and-white condo. You couldn't even walk on that carpet. Completely unlived in. Other than the bedroom I guess. Remember how much you hated my mobile home? The one I truly loved!”
“Yes… and I’m fully aware I was a dog…”
“Breigh would say lower than a dog. I believe scum was used.”
“You were the good brother, I was the bad,” I said.
“How funny you see it that way… because I was the one pushed away, discarded by Dad. You were the one favored.”
“Dad knew he could brainwash me… make me how he wanted me. You never allowed that. How did you know he was…?”
“I just saw how he treated people… Mom… and then I heard a lot from Aunt Rhonda and Uncle Kurt. They tried not to say negative stuff but then eventually said screw it and weren't as careful speaking around me. Of course, they could see the hurt I felt being like a black sheep. Then when he disowned me and tried to give all my trust away when I became a police officer, it just clarified everything I already felt. Now we both know why… he was afraid I was going to see what he was doing. Glad I didn't find out though, and someone else did.”
I pulled at my shirt collar, ready to change the subject. Wyatt was always good about speaking his feelings, probably ‘cause that’s how Rhonda was, straightforward without a filter.
“Academy is going pretty good. It’s odd actually…” I said.
“How so?”
“That I am taking it so seriously and observing others who aren’t.”
“Why, because you are usually the one not taking it seriously?”
“Exactly. The book stuff isn't too bad, and the fitness test, I’m not worried about. But when they are running you through some pretty tough scenarios, it is hard to put yourself in that place. What if I don't react quickly enough? What if I can’t save that person who needs me?”
“What if you do? People need our help that’s why they call us. You try to be the best you can be and that is all any of us can do.” Wyatt was always the one with so much wisdom.
“I just don't want to fail… I’ve done enough failing.”
“Then don’t let that happen. I bet you would have never thought in a million years you would be where you are. Rhonda used to say, ‘The rearview mirror is small for a reason, and the windshield is so big for a reason. Windshield to look forward to what is ahead of you. It is the only thing you can change. What’s behind you is the past. You shouldn’t focus on what is behind you, only what is in front of you.”
I shook my head, taking in his words.
“I wish I could have heard some of her wisdom.”
“Well, she told me so now I can pass it on.” He squeezed my shoulder ending the mushy conversation.
“Back to the house…” Wyatt said, changing the subject more than likely starting to feel uncomfortable.
“Gonna need some help decorating it. I want it to have the feel like your home. You walk in and instantly want to have a seat on the couch and stay all day.”
“You’ll have to ask Breigh for that help… I just hung what she said and moved what she wanted. It's a good neighborhood; the home will hold its value and your taxes won’t be too outrageous. I’m sure there is a HOA, which means you can’t turn it into a bachelor pad.”
“No interest in doing that. I’m hoping in time, Emma would consider living here with me.”
“Don't look at me that way. I don't have any say in anything.”
“Do you know anything?”
“Does she answer you back?” he asked, pretending like he didn't know. He knew. He and his wife told each other everything. Emma told Breigh everything.
“No, she doesn’t. But if she reads them then I am thankful. I have to earn her back. And I won’t stop until I do.”
“Damn, Cash. Just that sentence shows the maturing you have done. Proud of you.”
“Thanks, man.”
“But what if you don't earn her back? What if she refuses to let you back in her life?”
I spit out the words before I processed them, “Then I’ll die trying.”
And I meant every word.
EMMA
My body had become all baby at this point and although I loved it, it was obvious I was pregnant. Luckily most of my weight was in my belly and not anywhere else… and so far I didn’t have a single stretch mark. Breigh reminded me that was wishful thinking.
Damn her!
When Donna had first found out I was pregnant, she wrote down a list of books for me to read. Her sister had been pregnant three times already and she loved every minute of being an aunt. She had no want to be a mother, especially after seeing how your life would revolve around the little munchkins, not to mention the damage to her sister’s body.
“Not that that is going to happen to you though.” She smiled, regretting what she said.
“It’s fine, Donna. It probably will, but it will be worth it. I’ve always wanted to be a mother!”
“Yeah, that’s exactly what my sister said too.”
“Mr. Thomas called and asked that I page his office when you arrived this morning. He said he needed to meet with you.”
“Did he say what it’s regarding?” I ask, worried.
“No, just that he needed to know the minute you got in today.”
“Okay, please give me a few minutes for a restroom run and then page him.”
I walked to the restroom a little worried about what he was going to say. It wasn't any secret our owner was unsympathetic when it came to women starting a family. I had dreaded it but thought I would have more time. I was shocked he even employed women with his attitude.
I had gotten arranged at my desk, looking ever the professional when a light
