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 he

it's stupid to be upset over something so stupid, but I can't help the way I

give me a break, I'm pregnant and hormonal, and I'm still waiting for my dream proposal.

was sure they were going to propose

my face back in my arms. "Leave me

arms, and sits on the chair with

being hormonal

Again?

how deadly it is to upset a pregnant woman?"

lips against mine. "I'll take my chances with you." I

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

how hard I scratched him on

amusement disappears from Rueben's face. "I shouldn't have done that. I swear, Olly, if I had known the truth...I would have never touched

no point talking about what ifs." 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 to my temple. "You love us, and we love you. Not because of Stockholm

to be happy, but I don't point that out. Besides, even if I leave them, what guarantee do I have that I'll find someone who would not only love me but accept my children and see them

for Spencer, he's a kid, and it's his job to hate

as dense as I initially thought. Although...Rueben is known for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time but rarely the other

didn't you say you didn't

my bottom lip. "Never. Unless I wanted to go to bed without dinner after being scolded or

finished everything that was on the plate. I stayed at the table the entire night. After I caved in and ate the liver, I was sick for several days. One of the nastiest things I

under his breath, Rueben adds, "Let's not think about shitty

the past. But I do agree that it's better to

stand. After looking at my clothes for a bit, he asks, "Do you

ask, remembering the gorgeous dress Rueben found

"That one," Rueben mutters.