In Name Only (Pine Falls #2) - Jennifer Peel Page 0,22

hairstylist. It was how I had gotten to know her. When she ran her own salon, I used to be a client. I had roped her into giving free haircuts to some of the trade students we trained here. She’d agreed and got sucked into my world. She said she’d been looking for a higher purpose, so she sold her salon and came to work for me full time. Erin herself had been a foster child, so this place spoke to her. I think for any of us who had survived the system and thrived, we felt the calling deep in our bones to make sure others got the same chance. She had even convinced her husband, Jermaine, to teach a class once a month on managing finances since he was a financial planner. The kids that came through here were fighters, but they lacked a lot of basic life skills and knowledge.

Erin wagged her brows at me. “Honey, you got yourself a fine man there.”

I glanced at Brock. He was teaching the students how to safely use a table saw. He was a good man. Not only was he being thorough, he was patient and kind with the students, most of whom had never worked with wood or power tools. This place was all about not only giving kids the opportunity to acquire workplace skills but letting them explore what might interest them. So many kids had come through here and discovered unknown talents, like carpentry skills. It reminded me where Brock had found his love for woodworking. His father. My insides squirmed thinking about John. Yet I couldn’t deny he had a few good qualities. Brock had spoken often of his times with his dad in his workshop. He’d loved the camaraderie and bonding moments with his father as they had worked and talked about business, politics, medicine, and life. Together they had made Brock’s dining room table. It was a stunning concrete tabletop with a geometric wood base.

If only John were a good man like his son.

“He’s a keeper,” I acted the part of a smitten wife. Now it was time for me to act the part of mommy. I had my first prenatal appointment this afternoon. I had so many emotions about it. I was everything from terrified to excited to lonely. I’d always imagined doing these appointments with my husband. There was no way I could ask Brock, though. Then I worried about the doctor questioning my due date. Still, I couldn’t wait to see the little life I carried inside of me. The reason for making this all worth it.

I looked at the time on my phone. “I have an appointment. I’ll leave you to supervise.”

“I think your husband has it under control.”

“I’m sure he does.” I headed toward the offices to grab my purse.

Erin followed me. “You know, it would be okay if you took some time off. I can’t believe you two haven’t gone on a honeymoon yet.”

I didn’t dare stop to look at her. “It’s been a crazy time. I’m sure we’ll get around to it one of these days.” The lies were coming easier. I hated myself for it.

She tugged on my arm, forcing me to face her. “Girl, has anyone ever told you it’s not your job to save the world?”

I gave her a pressed-lip smile. “I think you might have mentioned that to me once or twice.” But this wasn’t about me saving the world. It was about me saving my world.

“You should listen to me. Book a tropical vacation and don’t leave the room.” She gave me an impish grin. “I’ll take care of our babies here.” Every kid that came through here became ours.

I wrapped my arms around her, so grateful for wonderful people like her. “Thank you, Erin, for reminding me that there is good in this world.”

She leaned away with her brow furrowed. “Honey, if you need a reminder, you only have to look in the mirror. No one does more good than you.”

“I don’t know about that, but promise me you’ll remind me of that. Please.”

She tilted her head. “Everything okay?”

“Yes,” I lied. “I have to go. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“I’ll be at Dynetics tomorrow, talking to them about our mentoring program.”

“Right. I would wish you good luck, but I know you’ll persuade them to join the team.”

“You know it.” She winked and walked off.

I hustled to get my purse and rush out to my car before I was late. On