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."

me with an amused expression. I swear that if he laughs, I'll

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

and hormonal, and I'm still waiting for my dream proposal. I'm

going to propose there,

my face back in my arms. "Leave

me up in his arms, and sits on the chair with

you being hormonal

Again?

you know how deadly it is

mine. "I'll take my chances with you." I snort. "Maybe you will use your fingernails again on me. Leave

make me feel better? Because so far, he's making things worse. "The only time I did it, you beat me with your belt,"

on his cheek from how hard I scratched

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

you did, so there's 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

because I decided to love them not because they deserve it, but because I earned the right 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 as their own? For better or for worse, all my men see Spencer as their own,

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

thought. Although...Rueben is known for saying the wrong thing at

kids are like this. How many times didn't you say you didn't like a dish

to go to bed without dinner after being scolded

I stayed at the table the entire night.

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

not the one who brought up the past. But I do agree that it's better to talk about something

After looking at my clothes for a bit, he

thrift store?" I ask, remembering the gorgeous dress Rueben found for me. I didn't have a chance to wear it since he

"That one," Rueben mutters.