Page 41 of Waiting for You (Balsam Cliffs #3)

Chapter One

Aubrey

December

Anger is the only emotion that seeps through my veins today.

Sure, most would think I’m quiet because I’m grieving. But I’m not, I’m fucking angry. And trying to hold it in means keeping my mouth shut or I’m liable to unload on some unsuspecting funeral goer.

My husband lied to me. He hid his truth for so long. Or maybe I just didn’t want to see it. I wanted to see the version he fed me. The version of him that was changing for the better for our family.

Now, he’s lying in a casket while I sit here as a widow with our four year old daughter because of those lies.

My marriage to Jack was over before the so-called accident . So-called because I now know he owed tens of thousands to a drug dealer, one who decided it was time to call in his debts. And my husband took the easy way out for himself without taking me or his daughter into consideration. Typical.

In my mind, I roll my eyes, that thought is actually laughable. Because his death doesn’t come close to paying his debts in their eyes. No. Now they have their sights set on me. And they’re ballsy enough to be sitting three rows behind me and my daughter in this funeral home.

My best friend, Sophia, is in the middle of them. I wish I could rescue her from them, unfortunately, her father is at the helm.

In my periphery, the pastor takes the stand at the podium next to his casket.

My eyes glaze over staring at my husband’s lifeless body as the pastor drones on about his life accomplishments, what a loved father he was, and what a great husband.

I didn’t have the heart to tell his aunt and uncle about the truth of his life.

About the addiction he’d gotten into. Or about what an absent father and husband he was. To them, I’m just the grieving widow.

They took him in and raised him. They raised him to know better, but he got sucked into the Black Key Ranch right before we met at the Hidden Hollow and that was the end for him.

People start rising from their seats and Aggie, Jack’s aunt, is pulling me toward the front of the room for the receiving line. Sophia appears next to Lily, taking her hand and leading her out of the room.

I suck in a deep breath, putting on a fake smile to get through the next half hour before I’m released to find my daughter and best friend. Before I’m able to drop the mask that I’m holding in place so perfectly.

Joining Aggie and Tommy at the front I smile at the first person in line, hug them, and move on to the next.

Sighing as I look down the line of somber faces I see only about fifty more people to go. Great.

***

Thank goodness Lily is only four. Otherwise she’d know that today is Christmas and instead of enjoying a nice family filled day like we should be, we’re finishing the last of our flights to Maine to move in with Aggie and Tommy.

After more than a few threats from the assholes at Black Key Ranch, and a few unwanted visitors, Sophia’s brother Ryder told the guys to back the fuck off.

But the damage was done. I don’t feel safe in my own house.

I don’t feel safe in my town. So, Aggie and Tommy insisted we come to live with them.

Not sure if this is the right choice, but it’s all I’m left with to keep my daughter safe.

“Mommy, awe we almost home?” She rubs her eyes next to me. A red eye flight with a toddler isn’t the most fun.

“Soon, baby. So soon. Aunty Aggie is going to pick us up. That’s exciting!”

“I luf Aunty Aggie soooooo much. And Uncle Tommy! We’re going to lif wif them on the farm!” I wish I could bottle up her excitement. But instead of saying what I want to, I plaster on a big smile and kiss her forehead.

“We sure are. And it’s going to be so fun.”

The pilot comes over the intercom telling everyone to put up their trays and seats for landing in Portland, Maine. A fresh start on Christmas Day is just twenty-two minutes away.

Unloading off the plane I find Aggie and Tommy standing right against the glass where our gate is. They’re waving wildly at Lily and walk alongside us on the other side of the glass wall to the exit where flights enter the airport.

“Oh my goodness, look at these two wouldya, Tommy?” Aggie pulls Lily into her arms, swinging her around in circles while Tommy takes our bag from me.

Tommy quietly pulls me into a side hug by my shoulders. “So happy to have our girls with us.”

I don’t know how I got so lucky to have these two in my life, but I appreciate absolutely everything they do for us. Even if it means dealing with Jack’s mess.

“Wait til you see my house, Lily. You’ll never guess who came!”

“Who Aunty Aggie?”

“Santa of course!” The two giggle together.

“Mommy! Santa tame!”

“I heard, baby. How exciting. You must have been a really good girl for him to find your new house.” I fall into step next to them, following Tommy down to the baggage claim.

“All your stuff is set up for you in your rooms. I hope you don’t mind. You couldn’t come on Christmas day and have to unpack after a redeye. I don’t want to even unpack my toothbrush after the flight.” She laughs as if this is just that simple.

“Thank you, Aggie. Really. I appreciate you guys so much.”

She leans over to kiss my cheek as we stop at carousel number three to get our bags.

I squeeze my eyes shut, willing the tears and pure exhaustion to stay away.