Side Chick Era... Over

Loving Mom 22

Chapter 22

At the sight of them together, a heavy weight settled in Sharon’s chest, like a stone pressing hard against her lungs.

In five years of marriage, Carter had never once gone with her to drop off their son at preschool. She had asked him before, of course–more than once–but he always waved it off, claiming work kept him too busy.

Now she understood. It wasn’t about work. He just hadn’t wanted to go with her.

Theo, still bleary–eyed and yawning, looked like he hadn’t slept well again. Probably stayed up too late, as usual. But the second he heard Kelly’s words, his eyes flew wide open–and sure enough he spotted Sharon standing not far away.

Kelly leaned down to him, her tone soft and coaxing. “See, Theo? told you. There’s no way your mom could really be mad at you. Look, she came so early just to see you.”

A flicker of smugness lit up Theo’s face.

He turned to Sharon, speaking with exaggerated loftiness, “Don’t think your little tricks will make me cave. If you don’t apologize to Kelly, I’m not forgiving you.”

Kelly smiled and glanced at Carter. “Looks like Nate’s idea is working after all.”

Carter gave a faint “Mm” in response. Then he turned to Sharon and said, flatly, “Kelly hasn’t had much of an appetite lately. Go prepare her some medicinal soup.” 1

Sharon gave him a strange look, and two words left her lips, calm but sharp.

“You’re crazy.” 1

peacekeeper. “Sharon, don’t be so upset with Carter. If there’s something to talk about, let’s all sit down like adults. You’ve never had a job, and you’ve been used to a life of comfort. After

was offering help, but her words dripped

apologize to Carter?” she added gently. “Theo’s still young. We really shouldn’t involve children in adult

clear: Sharon was using Theo to make herself the center of

Sharon like a frost settling over a quiet

to Kelly now,” he said. “If you do, I’ll let the

frowned, face twisted with irritation. “Mom, I’m

ridiculous it hurt. If someone walked by, they’d think she was the villain

looked at her with the sincerity of a best friend. “Sharon, you really should take a step

an apology–is that what you mean by taking a step back? If this

but no sound came

Theo suddenly stepped in front of Kelly, arms

“Don’t bully Kelly anymore!”

Sharon froze.

with Kelly, but he’d neverstood against her like this–never

Chapter 22

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