




sound of her sweet little voice only made my heart ache more intensely.
promise.” I slowed the car to a stop and reached for the bag in the passenger
seat beside me. Digging around, I pulled out the package of crackers I had
taken from our last stop.
forced a smile. The last thing I wanted her to see was how unsettled I felt
inside. She looked so tired, and seeing that in her eyes made me feel like a
worthless mother.
“Here, sweet pea, eat these for now. I know it’s not much, but I’ll get ya
something else real soon, okay?”
you still have juice left in your cup?” I asked, and she nodded her sleepy little
head once again. “Good, we’ll be stopping real soon.”
began looking around. I had passed a sign that read “Welcome to Brooklet” about
a mile back. As I looked around, I found myself wondering if there was even a
hotel here in this small town. It was definitely a big change from San
Diego.
I knew I had to make it last. The thought of not being able to take care of
Maddison made me sick to my stomach.
hide out. He had crossed a line that could never be fixed. A life like we were
living had to stop. I couldn’t go on in fear any longer; we deserved so much
more than that.
Beach, but I needed my family more than ever. I knew it would be the first
place he would look, but it was the only place I could go.
last six months, I had failed her and the memory of her daddy, Troy.
least expected it, was an easy one to make. A choice I would never regret, no
matter how much I had to sacrifice.
needs would come, but not until then. “I need to potty, Mommy,” Maddison
announced from the backseat.
stop in Brooklet for now, at least for tonight.
parking lot of a small restaurant. It was just after seven at night, and the
lot appeared deserted. Two vehicles were parked up close to the entrance. The
rest of it was empty.
side toward the entrance.
it smelled amazing. It had been hours since I had last eaten anything.
smile asked. I nodded my head as she led us to a small booth in the back.
as I looked around the small dining area.
started for the two of you?” she questioned.
it?” I replied as I led Maddi toward the bathroom.
I nudged Maddi along. I forced a smile as I hurried toward the bathroom.
continued to guide her toward the back.
myself one meal a day. Even though I would kill for a juicy burger and fries, I
had to use my head. The money had to last until I found a source of
income.
moment we were at the wrong one.
of applesauce. A large soda with a cup of chocolate milk sat in the center.
greeted us put a plate of fries on the table. “Ma’am, I didn’t order all this.
I can’t…” I began to say, as panic set in. She held up her hand to stop me.
taken care of.” She grinned and nudged her head toward the door.
He tipped his head toward me and winked, a dimpled grin gracing his lips. I
stood staring at him until he disappeared through the exit.
placed her hand on my shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “There’s kind
people out there, sweetheart. Colt Thompson is a good man.”
man. I wasn’t sure they existed anymore.
Maddison’s father, was a good man—a man who gave his life for his country and
never got the chance to know he was gonna be a father.
was starting to feel as though good men were only mythical.



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