Shackled (The Lord Series) by Amy T

406. Olivia - Picnic II

I get Spencer down from the counter, and seconds later, he's out the door. Diva goes after him.

Spencer didn't like the pie. He's not wrong about Grandma Khloe being a better chef than me. Why do I even bother making food when Mose loves spending his entire day in the kitchen? I sit at the table, defeated.

Because I wanted to make something nice for everyone. What if all the food I made turned out bad? I should throw it away and make some sandwiches instead. Rueben brought in some junk food the other day. No one will say no to chips and Cheetos.

I'm sure there's some frozen pizza in the freezer. Even ice cream. Everyone loves ice cream.

I put my arms on the table and bury my face in them.

Why did I agree to have a picnic? It's not too late to order takeout.

I groan loudly.

"What's wrong?"

Rueben's voice makes me jerk my head up.

"I didn't hear you enter." I was too busy drowning in self-pity.

"I can tell. But you didn't answer my question. Why do you look like you want to cry for an entire week without stopping."

Because my child hates my cooking. It's the end of the world! For me, at least.

When did I become so dramatic? Is it because of the baby? I don't remember being so hormonal when I was pregnant with Spencer. Maybe because I was on the edge all the time since my father had me live in a small apartment all by myself. I tried to escape many times, but it was impossible. He put bars on all the windows and had men guard the front door day and night.

My chin trembles as I reply, "Spencer hates my food."

expression. I swear that if

upset over something so stupid,

pregnant and hormonal, and I'm still waiting for my dream proposal. I'm starting to get resentful because

were going to propose there, but then we found Spencer, and hours later,

in my arms.

scoops me up in his arms, and sits

hormonal

Again?

die? Don't you know how deadly it is to upset a

with you." I snort. "Maybe you will use your fingernails again on me. Leave your mark all over

to make me feel better? Because so far, he's making things worse. "The only time

a faint scar on his cheek from how hard I scratched him on the night they brought

Rueben's face. "I shouldn't have done that. I swear, Olly, if I had known the

A strained laugh leaves me. "I promised myself for years that I'd never love again, and the first chance I get, I fall for my tormentors. Talk about Stockholm syndrom." Rueben presses his lips

them, what guarantee do I have that I'll find someone who would not only love me but accept my children and see them as their

Spencer, he's a kid, and it's

not as dense as I initially thought. Although...Rueben is known for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time but rarely the other way around. "You

this. How many times didn't you say you didn't like a dish and refused

wanted to go to bed without dinner

allowed to have anything else until I finished everything that was on the plate. I stayed at the

adds, "Let's not think about

past. But I do agree

bit, he asks, "Do you remember the lace

thrift store?" I ask, remembering the gorgeous dress Rueben found for me. I didn't have a

"That one," Rueben mutters.