Legend (Arizona Vengeance 3)

“I’m pretty sure I won’t even see my daughter this weekend,” I say with a laugh. “They’ve already said she’s staying at their house, which is fine. Gives me some alone time with Pepper.”

Dax snorts and shakes his head. “I still can’t believe you two. You used to hate her.”

“I did not,” I assert with a growl. “I don’t hate anyone. But I disliked her a lot for sure.”

“I always felt there was something there,” Dax tells me with a sly grin. “It’s why I asked her out. Thought it might goad you into making a move on her.”

“And I thought you were dating her so I would never have made a move on her,” I tell him.

“All’s well that ends well, right?”

“Right,” I say with a nod.

The bus finally lurches forward and I look up to see traffic is moving at a slow crawl. It’s progress at least, but we are going to be late arriving to the arena. I should put my earbuds in, start my music, and crawl into my meditation space now so I can get game ready.

But my mind turns to Pepper. I think about her probably way too much but I refuse to chastise myself for doing so. It makes me happy when she dominates my thoughts and no one needs to tell me how incredibly lucky I am to have her.

Just on the surface she’s perfect. Smart, funny, gorgeous, and she challenges me at every step. Look a little deeper and it has to be enviable that I’ve found a woman who truly cares about people. She’s never hesitated in helping me. She cares for Charlie like she’s her own. And she is my champion, day in and day out.

I think it’s easy to see why I’ve fallen so hard for her, and yet I still have a tiny bit of hesitation before I let myself believe in the possibility of a happily ever after.

And that has to do with Lida.

I’ve got to get her straightened out, because it’s entirely possible she could be a part of the rest of my life if she’s allowed visitation or joint custody of Charlie.

I’ve not real direct experience, but I can imagine how difficult it would be for Pepper to have to deal with that. Another woman that I’d have to give at least some consideration to as we co-parent Charlie together.

Take it a step further. If things were to get really serious with Pepper and me, which I think they already are, will she feel like she doesn’t have a place in Charlie’s world.

I know I’m not expected to have all these answers, but the fact that I’m already trying to figure out solutions tells me that Pepper is the one for me. I’m waiting for that perfect moment to strike when I know it’s the right time to tell her that.

Until then, I tell her what I can. I pull my phone out and send her a text: I miss you.Chapter 23PepperI walk out of Starbucks, enjoying the afternoon sun on my face. With a cold-brewed coffee in one hand and a piece of banana nut bread in the other, I’m content with my choice for lunch.

There’s an empty wrought iron table that sits at the edge of the outdoor seating area right next to the sidewalk. I like to people watch sometimes so this provides the perfect spot.

I’m in downtown Phoenix because I had to run by Legend’s attorney’s office. Turns out I’m a material witness to a lot of what’s going on with Charlie. I was with Legend when he found her. And I’m the one that picked her up from the cold concrete porch. I’m also the one that’s seen Lida twice now come onto his property to make a scene. An affidavit was prepared which memorialized what my testimony would be and I had to sign it in front of a notary.

Legend almost seemed embarrassed when he asked me to do this for him last week, and we had our first argument because of it. I had to make sure he understood that I was with him, and that meant I was by his side, at the ready, for whatever he needed. He kissed me breathless and we made up quickly.

I get situated at the table and pull out my iPad, which I bring with me everywhere; it’s where I plot out my books. As I develop the story, I sometimes use my Apple Pencil to sketch out rough illustrations so I don’t forget them later. It’s too pretty of a day to waste inside but I’ve got work to do too.

I nibble at my banana nut bread, sipping the delicious cold brew in between. I get lost in the world of Penelope and Bert. Poor Princess has gone missing and her parents are frantic to find her.