by Bellus, HJ
It’s a plea. I know I just sent out a lifeline that will be answered with a promise. Even after all these years, triggers still appear out of nowhere.
Lou bends down, hiding from her coach as Dalton bolts from the truck. I start the engine, wanting to get my daughter out of this uncomfortable situation. I spot Truckee stepping from a truck as the two brothers near the coach.
“Mom, why did you tell Dad?” Lou keeps her hands buried in her face.
“I didn’t.” I reach over and squeeze her leg. “He cares about you and knew it was bothering you. You did what we asked and stood up for yourself. The thing is a grown adult is intimidating you and it’s our job as parents to do something about it.”
“They’re going to beat his ass!” D.J. comments from the back seat with his nose pressed against the back window.
“Turn around, sit down, and get buckled, mister.” I stare in the rearview mirror until he listens to me.
Silence floats in the cab of the truck as we exit the school parking lot and until I eventually pull off the dirt road that leads to our house. I take in deep, steadying breaths before I open my mouth.
“A long time ago, I was unable to defend myself until someone stepped into my world and believed in me. That person saw right through me and the ways I was coping. I lived years in hell and was scared to even leave my own house.” I don’t allow tears to flow. I’ll never be ashamed of this part of my life. It’s what made me the person I am. “I never knew I had a voice. I allowed someone to hurt me over and over. I’ve found my voice and all the beautiful things in it. I will live my last dying day until my children know this. I will never apologize for that or for protecting the two of you.”
There are no words spoken as D.J. climbs into my lap and places his hands on the steering wheel and Lou lifts up the console, scoots over, and lays her head on my shoulder.
Everything is right in this world.
I’ve found my beautiful things and will never let go of them.
Epilogue 2
Dalton Cray
Her petite hand squeezes mine as we follow our children. She does it every single time on the same day at the same time. Frankie never quit believing in the good of the world. I know it takes all of her courage every single time we enter this place, but she does it because she wants her children to know God. She’s determined to allow our children to decide if they want to have faith and where they want to place it.
“I love you.” I lean over and kiss her temple.
“Love you more.” She ups the ante and kisses me on the lips. Both of our beautiful children turn around to see the kiss and groan in unison.
D.J. leads the way to the same bench we always sit in as a family. D.J. nudges his sister, causing a sibling spat before we all settle on the bench that forces us to sit between the two of them. They fight big, but always love harder. They are perfect.
I wrap my arm around Frankie’s shoulders on one side and D.J.’s on the other as she takes Lou Lou’s hand in hers. It’s times like this I know everything is and always will be perfect.
Bonus Chapter!
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Acknowledgments
Well, shit I did it. I only released one book in 2019 and it haunted me. I wanted to write and release. The thing is, this book hung me up, as did life. Frankie’s story was a difficult one to write, but I just knew I had to do it justice. I hope all of you enjoyed the story and can find all of the beautiful things in life.
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting and reading my work. You’ll never understand how much it means to me. It’s the greatest form of friendship.
Much Love,
HJB
Rumors’ Playlist
Walk Me Home- P!nk
Let It Be- The Beatles
My Girl- Dylan Scott
Love Ain’t- Eli Young Band
Talk You Out of It- Florida Georgia Line
If I Know Me- Morgan Wallen
Don’t You Wanna Stay - Jason Aldean (with Kelly Clarkston)
These Arms of Mine- Otis Redding
Run Daddy Run- Miranda Lambert (Pistol Annies)
Love Someone- Brett Eldredge
Written in the Sand- Old Dominion
Small Town Boy- Dustin Lynch
Round Here Buzz- Eric Church
Millionaire- Chris Stapleton
Woman, Amen- Dierks Bentley
Bluebird- Miranda Lambert
One Man Band- Old Dominion
Heartache Medication- Jon Pardi
About the Author
HJ Bellus is a small town girl who loves the art of storytelling. When not making readers laugh or cry, she's a part-time livestock wrangler that can be found in the middle of Idaho, shot gunning a beer while listening to some Miranda Lambert on her Beats and rocking out in her boots.
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