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

of 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

offering

added gently. “Theo’s still young. We really shouldn’t involve children

using Theo

like a frost settling over a quiet

Kelly now,” he said. “If you do, I’ll

face twisted with irritation. “Mom,

them standing together–united in accusation–and almost laughed. It was so ridiculous it hurt. If

with the sincerity of a best friend. “Sharon, you really should take

a step back? Freezing my accounts and demanding an apology–is that what you mean

her mouth, but no

in front of Kelly, arms spread

“Don’t bully Kelly anymore!”

Sharon froze.

had always been affectionate with Kelly, but he’d neverstood

Chapter 22

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