Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 52598 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 210(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52598 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 263(@200wpm)___ 210(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
“Thanks, guys, see you tomorrow,” I tell Derek and Brandon. They went to the bar last night while Matthew, Shaun, and I hit a restaurant then moseyed on to our hotel rooms for the night. There’s no telling what time the younger guys got in, and the last thing I want is to be at a crowded bar.
Derek and Brandon say goodbye as my phone vibrates in my chest pocket. I felt it earlier, figured it was Mom or Dad. Kody already called with Josephine, and we reserve our time on the phone to once I’m back at the hotel and in for the night. I doubt very seriously it’s her. Still, I pull my phone out of my pocket. On the screen are a couple of text messages from Kody. My palms start sweating, worried something is wrong until I read the messages. This shit is hitting Josephine hard, especially with what I’m reading and the image that appears toward the end.
“Fuck it. I’m outta here. I’ve got two girls in my bed. JoJo isn’t handling this too well. She’s in bed with Kody. There’s a sad look on her face even in her sleep and circles beneath her eyes that shouldn’t be on a baby. Kody mentioned this might not be a great idea, and she was right.” I look up from my phone. My traitorous fucking brother is giving me that stupid smile of his that takes over his whole face. Meanwhile, I can see what he’s not saying. There’s an ‘I told you so’ deep down that he’s dying to get out.
“Don’t tell Kody she was right. She’ll never let you live it down,” Shaun says, shrugging his shoulders. “I’d be willing to travel back and forth if you pay the gas, keeping the per diem and hotel, if you’re offering.”
“He’s offering. Give him a minute to mull it over. I’ll be the one who needs to get his shit out of the hotel while he leaves us in the dust,” Matthew finally pipes up.
“Done. Matthew, get my shit from the hotel since you so graciously offered. If ya’ll wouldn’t mind staying tonight, get the guys up to speed, offer them the same thing. We’ll come out ahead, but if not, that’s okay, too. I’m going home to my women. I’ll call you when I’m on the road,” I tell Matthew and Shaun.
“Get outta here. I’m going to the hotel and telling Lacey to keep the fire burning, and I’ll be home tomorrow night,” Matthew chimes in.
“Appreciate it, more than you know.” I lift my chin.
“Tell my sister I’ll be getting my key back. She’s officially kicked out by this weekend. You’re welcome.” I shake my head. That’s gonna be a fun conversation. I’m not going to say a fucking word or how happy I am about Kody living with us full-time until her brother does first. I’ll leave the subject matter to Shaun.
“Thanks.” I’m already looking down at my screen and typing out a text.
Me: On my way home to my girls.
Afterward, I toss the trailer keys to Matthew, and I hit the road to head home, right where I’m meant to be.
32
JAMESON
“Jameson?” Kody’s eyes pop open as I slide into bed next to Josephine, who’s currently cuddled in the crook of her body. The two of them slept since I’ve walked through the door, they didn’t budge with me unlocking the door, walking in, locking it back up, and walking around the house doing a quick check to make sure everything was locked for the night. I’m sure Kody did the same before bed. Still, I’m gonna double-check just in case. Everything was as it should be, and the house was picked up except for the usual places, the coffee and kitchen tables. Once I was done walking through the house, I made my way to the master bedroom, where my two girls were sleeping peacefully. I dropped a kiss on Josephine’s forehead, moved a piece of hair out of Kody’s face, and she slept through the entire process, even as I showered. They must be worn out. From the handful of times we’ve talked, the pictures Kody has sent, she’s been keeping Josephine as busy as possible, and it must have finally caught up with her.
“Shhh, I’m going to move JoJo to her own bed,” I tell Kody as I slide in on the other side of the bed, moving the pillow that was hanging over half of my side. Josephine must have moved a lot in the couple of hours she’s been sleeping.
“Don’t. She’ll be happy to see you’re home in the morning.” Kody clears her throat from sleep. Josephine is cuddled into her side, face buried in her neck and softly snoring. It’s her legs that have me scratching my head. The top half of her body is on Kody, the bottom half is spread-eagled.