Page 170 of The Cowbears of Curvy Bear Ranch

“A little advice,” her mom said. “Don’t be like me. Keep your legs closed until you’re married. Get knocked up too soon and it’ll ruinyourlife.”

Carol’s heart wilted. Her mother had just told her that she’d ruined her life. What could she saytothat?

“Getting pregnant didn’t ruin your life.” A tiny vein popped up on Hank’s forehead. “You ruined yourownlife.”

“Hank!” Carolexclaimed.

“What? She can’t blame you for her failures in life. She abandoned you. Whatever harm your birth could have caused her ended when she dropped you off at that orphanage,” Hanksnapped.

Her mom’s eyes narrowed. “I see the way you’re lookin’ at my daughter. You’re just like all the rest, ready to sweet talk her into bed and then leave her in thelurch.”

Carol stepped between them. “I thought you said you lovedmydad.”

“You can still love a mean sonofabitch. I wasn’t ever good at pickin’ men. Always chose the ones with the silver tongues. If you don’t learn a thing from meetin’ me, learn this—never trust anyone to take care of you butyourself.”

Before Carol could respond, a car pulled up next to Hank’struck.

“Shit.” Her mom grabbed Carol’s wrist and dragged her toward the door. “He wasn’t supposed to be back for another couple of hours. Don’t tell him who you are, and don’t come back. Get whatever fairy tale you got in your head out of it. We’re not family and neverwillbe.”

Hank followed them out onto the front porch where her mother’s demeanor shifted completely. A hulk of a man dressed in a black leather jacket and thick work boots stepped out ofthecar.

“It was nice having you for a visit. Tell Reverend Tom I’ll be up at church again this Sunday,” her mom said in an excessively loud voice. Her back was to the man walking up the steps. A hint of fear registered in her eyes but quickly vanished as she turned to wrap her hands around his waist. “Hi, BigDaddy.”

“Who are they?” hedemanded.

“They’re from church. You know the reverend gets his panties in a bunch when we don’t get up to church everySunday.”

“Don’t he know Sunday’s sin day?” The manchortled.

Her mom laughed nervously. Carol looked from her to him but before she could say anything, Hank grabbedherarm.

“We’ll see you at church,”Hanksaid.

Carol wanted to stay, but Hank half-dragged her to the truck. After they’d climbed in and Hank slammed the driver’s side door, she turnedtohim.

“What was thatabout?”

“Thatwas Trevor Sawyer. You don’t want to mess with that guy.” Hank hooked an arm over the back of the seat and looked over his shoulder as he backed ontotheroad.

“Why?”

“Two-time felon. He’s been up state in Pinebrook a fewtimes.”

“What’s that?” sheasked.

“Federalprison.”

“Forwhat?”

“Gang activity. I don’t remember the specific charges, but he’s adangerousguy.”

“But we left him with my mom,”shesaid.

“It seemed like she wasexpectinghim.”

“We shouldgoback.”

He pulled off into a marked turnout and twisted to face her. “Nottonight.”