Covered in Coal (Buried Secrets 1)

“Your baby, Carly Jo. Daddy told me that I should have a little brother or sister, but it went to heaven before it could be born. Why?”

Tears well up in my eyes, and my breath has escaped my body. I had no idea that Colton had told her about the baby. Why would he do that? Hell, she is just a baby herself. There is no way she can wrap her tiny little head around any of this. I can’t even understand it some days. I take her hand in mine and give her the only answer I can.

“I don’t know, sweets. It isn’t fair, and it hurts, but I don’t have any answers.” I pull her into a hug and kiss the top of her head. She is a tough kid, asking such profound questions for her six year old mind. She doesn’t cry a single tear, she isn’t even sad, really. She just doesn’t understand.

>

“Will you be my momma one day?” She smiles at me with her eyes. My breath hitches, my throat feels as if it is closing up and my heart has stilled. She is staring up at me waiting for an answer, but I don’t have an answer to give her. I can’t tell her no, and I’m not sure I want to. So I offer her the only answer I can think of while in dire panic.

“Heidi Jo, I think you and your daddy need to talk about that, baby girl. I love you so, so much. But you need to talk to Daddy, okay.”

Her little face falls flat, and I can see that I’ve just shattered her world. I hate that I’ve broke her heart, but Colton and I are just building our relationship, and I’m just really getting to know her. I can’t say well sure, I’ll be your mom, let’s hop off to Disney World to celebrate. I’d love to, but in reality, that’s just not how life works.

Heidi Jo nods then hugs me before climbing over the console to the back seat.

“Buckle up, the roads are slick. When we get home, we’ll wrap the presents you bought your daddy, okay?”

“Awesome blossom. Turn the music up, and let’s roll.”

And just like that, she is back to her smiling self, forgetting the little moment we just shared.

COLTON

Carly Jo and Heidi Jo are just comin’ in from God knows what they have gotten into, just as I’m gettin’ ready for work. Heidi Jo rushes into my arms and starts to tell me all about their girls’ night, flashin’ her sparkly hot pink fingers and toes.

“They put my feet in warm bubbles and it tickled.” She giggles.

“Did ya have fun, baby girl?”

“Sure did, Carly Jo bought me dresses and boots too, but said I have to wait to open some of them on Christmas.” She whines, rollin’ her eyes back in her head, before bouncin’ down the hall to her bedroom. Carly Jo wraps her arms around my waist, tippin’ up on her toes to kiss me.

“Missed ya,” she whispers against my lips. I kiss her softly, because if I pull her any closer, I’ll be late for work.

“Thanks for takin’ Heidi Jo out for the evenin’, did my girls have fun?” She follows me into the kitchen and puts together my lunch for the night.

“We had a great time. We went to the salon for some pampering, shopped for some Christmas presents, then we shared some ice cream.”

“Ice cream in the middle of December? Shoulda had hot chocolate.” I shake my head.

“How’d I know you’d say that?” She laughs, wrappin’ her arms around my neck to kiss me.

“Well, I’m gonna be late if I don’t get goin’. Make sure she eats dinner, and has her bath. Don’t let her con you into lettin’ her stay up past eight thirty, got it.” I bark out my orders on my way out the door.

“I got this. Be careful tonight. Love ya.”

When I get to the mines, I put on my gear and head to the man trip.

I’ve been tryin’ to keep a close eye on Eric since I suspected that he was usin’. I’ve talked to Dave a couple of times, and each time I mention Eric, he assures me that Eric is a hard worker, never givin’ him any reasons to doubt him. Regardless, it’s my job to make sure that these men stay in line, and there are no safety issues.

When I get to the section where the men are workin’, everything seems to be runnin’ steady. I make my way through the section, lookin’ for Dave when I hear cussin’ comin’ from the pinner men. I approach the two who are about to come to blows right here, underground.

“Y’all wanna tell me what the hell’s goin’ on?” I ask, lookin’ from Eric to Duke. Eric doesn’t say a word, just shakes his head and scratches his beard.

“I can’t work with this jackass when he’s all jumpy. He’s gonna get me hurt. Son of a bitch ain’t payin’ a lick of attention to what he’s doin.” Duke’s face is beet red, as he flexes his fists at his sides.

“Duke, I’ll take over for ya. Go see if Dave needs your help movin’ supplies or somethin’.” Duke nods, turnin’ on his heels in search of Dave, cussin’ every step of the way. I look to Eric, his face is void of emotion. He appears calm.

“What was that about, Eric?” I ask him, pullin’ on my gloves.