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

kind of peacekeeper. “Sharon, don’t be so upset with Carter. If there’s something to talk about, let’s all sit down like

it like she was offering help, but her

just apologize to Carter?” she added gently. “Theo’s still young. We really

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

like a frost settling over a quiet

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

irritation. “Mom, I’m not your tool to fight

almost laughed. It was so ridiculous it hurt. If someone walked by,

at her with the sincerity of a best friend.

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

opened her mouth, but no sound

arms spread wide like a shield, his

“Don’t bully Kelly anymore!”

Sharon froze.

Theo had always been affectionate with Kelly, but

Chapter 22

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