Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 82198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Hearing the screams of the mother on the other side, all I could think of was Harmony.
“The thought of losing someone else I love…it scares me to death.”
Chapter 21
Shattered Hearts
Harmony
Stepping off the ladder, I smiled at my work. “It’s perfect,” I whispered. I’d been painting since early that morning and I was exhausted. I wanted it finished before we went out to buy a Christmas tree, though.
The gray-blue walls in the hallway brightened up the whole living room. Maybe I should paint the whole place this color. It’s calming. Soothing. Yeah, that’s what it is. Soothing.
After heading into the kitchen for a drink, I attempted to wash the paint off my hands. “Good Lord, I’ve got more paint on me than I do on the walls.”
Picking up my phone to see if Preston had texted back, I sent him a text.
Me: Thinking about you. Love you.
When he didn’t respond, I let out a worried sigh. He must be on a call. My heart dropped slightly as I pushed away the worried feelings that were bubbling up inside me.
Walking into the living room, I was about to get back to painting when my doorbell rang. Heading over to the door, I looked to see who was there. When I saw Anne and Dan, Trey’s parents, standing at my door, I sucked in a breath of air.
What in the hell are they doing here?
I hadn’t seen them since I sold the house. Dan and Anne had signed the house over to me and told me to keep all of the equity made in the sale of the house. I had been made speechless by the gesture. When Dan told me it was the least he could do, I saw something in his eyes. I just couldn’t put my finger on it.
Pushing the intercom, I attempted to speak without having my voice crack. “Hey, Dan and Anne. Come on up.”
Holding my hands up, I tried to get them to stop shaking. Taking in a deep breath and plastering on a fake smile, I opened the door and greeted them.
“Anne, how are you? Dan, it’s so good to see you both.”
Anne kissed me on both cheeks and gave me a sweet smile. “Harmony, darling, I’ve missed you.”
Dan leaned over and kissed my cheek and gave me a wink. “Harmony, I love the place you settled on.”
Smiling, I looked around. The picture on the mantel caught my eye at the same time it caught Anne and Dan’s. Walking up to it, Anne picked it up and smiled as she ran her fingers across the glass.
“This was the last time the three of you were over at the house. Dan snapped this picture and sent it to Trey.”
Nodding, I softly spoke. “Trey gave it to me for Mother’s Day.”
The picture showed TJ on Trey’s shoulders. Trey had his arms wrapped around me as we both looked up at our little boy. My heart hurt as I looked away. Preston was the one who found the picture and put it on the mantel. Watching him place it there, I fell in love with him even more.
“Would you like a cup of coffee or tea?” I asked as I motioned for them both to sit down.
“Coffee would be great,” Anne said as Dan nodded in agreement.
After making the coffee, I placed the cups on a serving tray and carried them out to the living room. Setting it down on the coffee table, I sat across from them both and placed my shaking hands in my lap. “So, why are you here?”
The moment the words came out of my mouth, I regretted them. They sounded coldhearted. “Not that I’m not happy to see you and all. It’s just…well…I…” Rolling my eyes, I shook my head as I let out a slight chuckle. “I’m sorry, I guess I’m nervous is all.”
Anne gave me a tender smile as Dan nodded and then cleared his throat. “Harmony, Anne and I felt it was best to come talk to you, after that day at the office and what you discovered. We weren’t sure how long to wait. You pulled away from us and we both totally understood you had your reasons.”
Moving about in my seat, I couldn’t decide if I wanted to sit or stand up and pace back and forth. Why were they bringing this up six months later? I wanted to forget the day I found out Trey had been unfaithful. It was in the past. Why bring it up now?
“Dan, I should apologize for my…outburst that day. The reason I’ve kept my distance is, well, I guess I don’t really have a reason that really makes a whole lot of sense. I just needed it. To move on.”
Shaking his head, he held up his hand. “Please, there is nothing for you to apologize for, Harmony.”