Finding Gavin (Southern Boys #2) (17 page)
Read Finding Gavin (Southern Boys #2) Online
Authors: C.A. Harms
Sneak Peek…Coming in 2015
Prologue
Alexis
“Mommy, I’m hungry,” Maddison spoke out from behind me. The sound of her sweet voice only made my heart ache more intensely.
“I know, baby, mommy will find you something real soon. I 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 took from our last stop.
Turning around, looking back at my little girl, I forced a smile. She looked so tired, and seeing that in her eyes made me feel like a worthless mother.
Tearing the package open, I handed her the two crackers. “Here, sweet pea, eat these for now. I know it’s not much, but I’ll get ya something real soon, okay?”
Maddison nodded her head and took the crackers from me. “You still have juice in your cup?” I asked, and she nodded her sleepy little head once again. “Good, we’ll be stopping real soon.”
Turning back to face forward, I took in a deep breath and began looking around. I had passed a sign that read ‘Welcome to Brooklet’ about a mile back—I found myself wondering if they even had a hotel, here in this small town. It was a big change from San Diego.
With only a little over two hundred dollars left to my name, 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.
I had no choice, I couldn’t go back. I had to leave, had to hide out. He had crossed a line that could never be fixed. A life like we were living, it had to stop.
I knew I was taking a chance by going back home to Fort Myers, 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 had to go.
Keeping Maddi safe came first. It was my job, and for the last six months, I had failed her and the memory of Troy.
So the choice to leave in the middle of the night, when Seth least expected me too, was an easy one to make—a choice I would never regret, no matter how much I had to sacrifice.
Maddi needing stability. When she had all she needed, then my needs would come.
“I need to potty, Mommy,” Maddison spoke again.
The decision had just been made. It looked like Brooklet would be our stop for now. At least for tonight.
I pulled into the parking lot of a small restaurant. It was just after seven at night and the lot appeared deserted. Two cars parked up close to the entrance.
Holding Maddison’s hand securely in mine, we walked side by side toward the entrance.
The smell of grease engulfed me once the door opened, and it smelled amazing. It had been hours since I last ate anything.
“Is it just the two of you?” an older woman with a genuine smile asked. I nodded my head as she led us to a small booth in the back.
“Do you have a restroom my little girl can use?” I asked as I looked around the small dining area.
“Just down that hall. Can I get anything started for you?” she questioned.
“Yeah, um, a grilled cheese and chocolate milk if ya got it?” I told her as I led Maddi toward the bathrooms.
“What are you having, darlin’?” she hollered after me.
“Nothing thanks, I’m not hungry.” I forced a smile as I hurried toward the bathroom.
“Mommy, your tummy is growling.” Maddi looked up at me as I continued to guide her toward the back.
“No, baby, mommy ate this morning. I’m good,” I assured her.
I had decided that I would only allow 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 another source of income.
When we made our way back to our table, I thought for a moment we were at the wrong one.
There was a large salad at one side, and on the other sat a bowl of applesauce. A large soda with a cup of chocolate milk sat in the center.
I stood looking around in confusion just as the lady who greeted us sat a plate of fries on the table.
“Ma’am, I didn’t order all this. I can’t—” I began to tell her as panic set in. She held up her hand to stop me.
“Don’t you worry yourself over it, darlin’, it’s all been taken care of.” She grinned and nudged her head toward the door.
I looked up just as a tall, broad man pushed open 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.
“That sweet man just bought the two of you dinner.” She 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.”
Her final words left an emptiness in my chest,
a good man
. I wasn’t sure those existed anymore.
Besides my father, I didn’t know any others. Troy, 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.
Acknowledgements
My husband and children, you three are my world. Thank you for being the most amazing people in my life. I love you with all my heart and thank you for making it possible for me to accomplish my goals.
Limitless Publishing and everyone behind that name. You are all wonderful. Thank you for all your help and hard work. You all make this process painless and worth all the energy I put behind my books.
Mrs. Maria Trojanowski, what would I do without you? You give me a push when I need it most. If I hit a dull point, I know that in some way you will get me moving again. You are one of the good ones and I am so thankful that we became friends. Thank you for being there when I need you.
The Lovely Jillian my PA. I am so very happy that I have you in my corner. You are without a doubt an angel. You keep me organized and that is not an easy task. I am so scattered and without you I would forget where I need to be and when. You’re a godsend and I adore you my New York Gal.
Thank you to Lydia from HEAbook ShelfBlogger. Once again Lady love, you are adored. You are my Go to girl for Tours and promo. I just can’t say enough about how great you are. You are kind and generous and dedicated. You are so trustworthy and fun. I place my books in your hands and not think twice about it. You always hold up your end of the deal and shoot well above the expected. I love what you do. You two ROCK MY WORLD!
All my fans and followers…Thank you all for your dedication and kind words. The continued support that you show me is humbling. I love hearing from each and every one of you. The messages you send me regarding the characters I have created are welcomed. I am just glad that you two have learned to love them as much as I have.
About the Author
C.A. Harms is like any other addicted reader. She enjoys happy endings and HEA love stories. She hasn't always been a lover of Romance and had once been addicted to a good Mystery. Just recently she has taken on a new liking and now is a full blown Romance novel addict.
She lives in Illinois and enjoys spending time with her husband of 14 years and two children. You will always find her with her kindle or paperback in hand as it is her favorite pass time.