“She murdered Mother?”
“She sure did. Said Celeste threatened to take the baby away from her.”
“Mother wouldn’t have done that.”
He’s living in an alternate universe. “Sure. Right. Well, this has been real great, but I need to get back into bed with my woman.”
“Prudence will never stay with you.”
“Well, here’s the deal, Travis. That’s where you’re wrong because I’m not you. I treat her with respect. I love her for her. I want her to follow her dreams. I think she’s the sexiest fucking woman I’ve ever seen, andIdon’t fuck with her head. See the difference?”
“I love her.”
“Bullshit. You love yourself. You loved your mommy. That left no room for Prudence. She deserved better than a self-serving, manipulative asshole like you.”
“It’ll never last.”
“You go on believing that. But hear me now, Trav, if you come anywhere near her. I’m going to first beat the shit out of you, then I’m calling the cops because you violated the restraining order that you’ll be served tomorrow, and that will go into effect at midnight tonight.”
“You’re lying. She’d never––”
“She would.” The police advised her that it’d be the best course of action until everything is settled with Barbie. “She did.”
“Let me speak to her.”
I glance at the clock. “Did I mention the restraining order includes text messages, voice messages, and telephone calls?” I’m the one who insisted on that addition. “By the clock above Prudence’s stove, that gives you about three minutes.” I chuckle. “Gee, Trav, I’m sort of hoping you violate the order. My fist is just itchin’ to find a nice squishy place to land on your pasty face.”
“Fuck you.” It’s the last two words before he hangs up. I search for his number and think about blocking it, but then, what if he does try to call? I’d sure like to have the proof he’s violated the order. I’d like that a whole lot.
“Nate?” I look up at Prudence. Her arms are crossed, and her shoulder is leaning against the wall at the spot the hallway turns into the main room.
“Yeah?”
“Was that Travis?”
“Yep.”
“You want me to follow my dreams. You love me for me.” She’s not asking me if I meant those words. She’s merely recanting what I said to fuckface, Travis.
“I do.”
“You think I’m the sexiest woman you’ve ever seen?”
“I do.”
“Prove it.”
Oh, fuck yes.
Epilogue
Two years later
“Prudence Visch:Let me make your home dreams come true.” I shake my head. “Nope. That sounds corny.”
“Just stick with ‘let me make your dreams come true.” Zoe, my stepdaughter, has been attempting to help me come up with a slogan for my new business, Prudence Visch Real Estate Agency. After a year of working with Dominique, I’m ready to venture out onto my own. It’s a good thing too since the baby is due any day now. I’ll need the flexibility of my business more than ever.
Yes, I’m pregnant. Right after we tied the knot, Nate had his vasectomy reversed. I didn’t even ask. He made the appointment and then told me when it was. There was no other discussion. There didn’t need to be. He wanted a baby as much as I did.
