My Wicked Heart (Wicked Poison 2)

“It’s doubtful.” I tell her the truth.

“I’m trying real hard. I want you to know that. And I will keep trying real hard.”

“I hope you do.”

“I even met a nice man. Real nice, August. He takes me for dinners and doesn’t judge me.”

“That’s good. I’m happy for you.”

She looks down to the ground. “I hope you’re happy, despite everything.”

I click the visor down, not bothering to answer her. That, she doesn’t need to know. She has never cared my whole life, now she doesn’t hold the privileged to do so.

She waves as I ride off.

I look back over my shoulder to see the town disappearing behind me.

Right where it’s meant to be.

Chapter 12

Rylee

Five years later.

Rhianna steps over to me, her daughter clutching her hand as I walk out of work.

“Aunty.” Summer throws herself at me, her little arms wrapping around my body. “I get to stay at your house tomorrow night.” I nod and reach down to pick her up. She’s getting big now, but I always have time for her cuddles.

“You do. What are we going to play tomorrow? Hide and seek?” I question her, raising my eyebrows.

“Yes, yes, let’s.” I put her down, kissing her cheek as Rhianna smiles.

“Mom has her tonight, and you tomorrow. Are you sure that’s still okay?” she asks, checking. “I can always leave her with Mom for two, but Summer prefers to go to yours.”

“It’s fine. I only have plans tonight, not tomorrow.” It’s Friday, and it is not often I do make plans, but tonight, I have.

Rhianna rubs her large belly. They found out recently it’s a boy. Noah couldn’t be more excited. Rhianna, on the other hand, doesn’t like being pregnant all that much.

“I need this. Oh, God…” She shakes her head. Noah is taking her away and letting her do whatever she wants. So that means massages and doing nothing. Rhianna owns the coffee shop now, so she’s on her feet all day. Then running around after an almost five-year-old while pregnant, she definitely needs it. “Anyway, I just came to give you this.” She hands me a bottle of wine. “A client gave it to Noah. It’s expensive, and I don’t want to see it lying around because it makes me want to drink it. So please drink it, so I don’t have to look at it anymore.” She turns her lips up into a smile.

I laugh and shake my head. “It could sit in your house without you drinking it if you hide it away.”

“It could, but that’s not fair.” She shrugs and grabs her daughter’s hand. “Anyway, have fun on your date tonight. I hope you get laid.” She sings the last part.

“Mom, what’s laid?”

I giggle at Summer’s question and walk them to their car, which is right near mine.

“When someone lies down,” she tells her, then looks over her head to me and rolls her eyes. “Give Winter kisses from me.”

I nod, check the time and realize I need to pick her up.

My work has childcare situated right across the street and right next to the lot where I park my car. When I get there, I sign in and head to her room. I spot her straight away. Her dark hair matches mine, but when she turns around and spots me, it’s her eyes that get me.

They’re her father’s eyes.

Forrest green.

She takes off running to me, and I let her fall into my arms and hold her tight as she wraps herself around me.

When Winter squeezes me tight, her little arms give me everything she has. I smile, the biggest of smiles that are made for just her.

“How was your day?” I ask, pulling back reluctantly. She shrugs her shoulders as I reach for her bag and start to leave.

How she can be so much like August without knowing him, I have no idea.

I tried finding him.

I tried calling him.

He cut contact with every person here four months after leaving, and I didn’t find out I was pregnant early enough. I assumed it was depression, and I was just snacking too much. I didn’t even get a belly until I was six months along.

Noah lost contact with him, Sully never heard from him, and Glenn couldn’t find him.

We tried.

We all did.

I wanted him to know he has a daughter. Even if he didn’t want me, he had a right to know he had Winter and to possibly get to know her.

Who wouldn’t want to know her? She is beyond exceptional and my favorite person in the world. Even Rhianna would argue with her on who’s my favorite, it’s their favorite game to play but Winter always wins.

Walking back across the road to where I work, we go up in the elevator until we reach our floor. Winter tells me all about her day with such enthusiasm when we are away from everyone else, and I smile as I listen to her ramblings. When we get to my office, Winter lets go of my hand and runs from me straight to the big office at the end of the hall.