The Ultimate Betrayal Read Online Free PDF

to ten cities, some of which she’d been to in the past for signing events and some she hadn’t: Chicago, Cleveland, Atlanta, Memphis, Birmingham, Dallas, Houston, Washington, DC, New York, and Sacramento. She was looking forward to spending two full weeks out on the road, especially since Phillip would be accompanying her this time.
    Alicia set her manuscript to the side when she heard her phone ringing. It was her mother.
    “Hey, Mom.”
    “Hey, sweetie. How are you?”
    “I’m good. You?”
    “Can’t complain. One of my clients canceled her session, so I thought I’d give you a call. I also wanted to see if there’s anything we need to do this week for the wedding.”
    Tanya was a counselor for battered women, and Alicia couldn’t think of a more understanding or compassionate person for them to talk to than her mother.
    “No, not really. Now that Melanie and I have our jewelry, I think that’s it. Teresa has a lot left to do,” Alicia said, referring to her wedding planner, “but you and I can relax a little now. I’m actually glad because I received my copyedits this morning, and when I’m reading through those, I don’t like to be distracted.”
    “I can imagine.”
    “Phillip had a dental appointment today in Mitchell, so that’s another reason I’ll be able to get a lot done.”
    “I’m so happy the two of you worked things out. I know I keep saying that, but sweetheart, I really am. You were very young when you married Phillip the first time, and you made some mistakes. But now God has given you an opportunity to marry the man of your dreams all over again. You’ve matured a lot over the last six years, and I’m very proud of you.”
    “Thanks, Mom. It’s been a journey, that’s for sure. But it’s all been worth it.”
    “Very much so. You could search high and low for years, and I don’t think you’d ever find a man who’s as loving, caring, and honest as Phillip. Well, maybe your stepfather, but that’s about it.”
    “I know. You were really blessed to find someone like Dad James. Of course, it’s every child’s dream to have their parents together, but since Dad wasn’t the man he needed to be when he was married to you, I’m glad you found someone who was. Someone who loves you so genuinely.”
    “So am I. Your father has changed a lot, though, and I’m really happy about that. Things didn’t work out between us, but he’s grown on so many levels. Mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.”
    “He has, Mom. He’s nothing like he used to be. He’s the best father, husband, and pastor in the world right now, and he’s been that way for a while.”
    “It’s too bad your brother Dillon couldn’t see that. I realize your dad denied him when he was born, but if Dillon had been a little more patient, I think he and your dad would have gotten close.”
    “I think they would have, too. But Dillon was different. He was all about himself, and to be honest, he wanted nothing to do with Matthew, Curtina, or me. You would think because his mom died when he was only a few weeks old that he would have wanted to be close to all of us. Not to mention, he didn’t meet Daddy until he was twenty-seven.”
    “I hope he gets some help, and that maybe down the road, he’ll apologize and make things right with all of you.”
    “Maybe, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. Dillon did some dirty stuff, and if you wanna know the truth, I’m glad he’s gone.”
    “That’s understandable. Oh well, I guess I’d better get going. Need to review a few notes before my next appointment.”
    “Okay, Mom. I’ll talk to you later. Love you.”
    “Love you, too, dear.”
    Alicia smiled when she hung up the phone. Her mother was everything and then some. Such a kind spirit who loved everyone. The good, the bad, and sometimes the awful. After all the terrible things Dillon had done to Alicia’s father and her brother Matthew, Alicia could tell that her mom still felt sorry for him. Alicia