care. I just got finished telling my son it was okay to let loose the emotions building up inside.
Now, it’s my turn.
“Jed, you’re the only one I can talk to. And I have no idea if what I’m doing is right or wrong. I just wish I could get some answers. Hell, I’m just an idiot talking to thin air anyway.” My head crashes down on the steering wheel as pain overwhelms me.
I don’t know how long I sit there before a text comes in. It’s Kara.
With the storm, I was worried about you driving. Can you let me know you got back to the B&B okay?
My lips part in shock. “Maybe I was wrong, buddy. Maybe you are watching us all muck it up down here. If you are, tell Dean thanks for everything he’s done for Kevin. He’s missed by some people who loved him an awful lot.”
Quickly, without thought, I grab my phone and send two texts to very different people. Without waiting for a response from either, I jump out into the storm and race inside to strip my now soaking clothes off. Then without much effort, I fall onto the bed and sleep.
The next morning, I find a response from Reg. It will take a bit of time for us to confirm the accounts. Once sent, we can’t retract an amount like that.
I quickly type back, That’s fine. I don’t want her paying taxes on the amount, Reg. Adjust the amount to compensate for anything she’ll owe the IRS.
Understood, Jennings. Is Kara aware you’re doing this?
I hesitate before I type the truth. We’ve discussed it. Because that isn’t a lie. We just haven’t come to an agreement on any decisions about Kevin’s financial support. But after last night, there will be no more working in shifts in a hot stuffy kitchen to cover any expenses for my son.
Not if I have anything to say about it.
Kara’s not once asked about my financial situation. She has no idea of the state of my personal accounts, nor of my business accounts. All she wanted was a male role model for her son. Well, sweetheart, I think grimly. You’ve got one. And this man is determined to teach his son that no matter who he falls in love with, you take care of that person until your back breaks and your fingers bleed.
And while Kara may have already begun those lessons, she’d better be ready to show our son the one of graciousness when a windfall lands in her accounts. My fingers fly. Just let me know when it’s done.
I see dots moving before, And you want it to be that high? If we were to go based on your income back in the early days, you would owe significantly less.
Furiously I type back, And she paid medical bills out of pocket, Reg. You know what I want her to have.
His Understood. I’ll get it done. does little to soothe my frayed nerves. Throwing my legs to the side of the bed and my phone on the nightstand, I run my hands through my hair. “She’s going to kill me,” I say aloud. Then I soberly add, “But she deserves everything. She’s given me so much more than this.”
Reaching for my phone, I scroll to find the one I sent to Kara before the one I sent to my lawyer before I got out of the car.
Come out for the day with me. It’s time for us to have an honest conversation without impressionable ears, don’t you think?
Her reply came through as I was arguing with Reg just a few minutes ago. If Maris can stay with Kevin. I really don’t want him alone after last night. With all the talk of Dean, I want to know he’s with family.
Her concern for Kevin’s well-being makes my heart twist in my chest. I had typed back, If Maris can’t, what about Brad and Rainey? Maybe he could hang with their family. I know Rainey’s been making some inroads with Kara and looking to set up time for all of them to get together.
I held my breath hoping she wouldn’t be stubborn, hoping last night shook something loose inside of her the way it did in me.
And that’s why my stomach muscles clenched when I got the text of Okay. I’ll talk to Maris when she wakes up, so I won’t have an answer for a few hours. If not, then yes if Brad or Rainey can do it. Otherwise