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head leaned back in a way that shows me he’s got a lot on his mind. The package is light but odd. I haven’t received mail at my parents’ home in years and this one doesn’t contain a return address.
    “Have you talked with Seth lately?” I ask as I buckle up.
    “Earlier today. Why?”
    “He’s in the kitchen with our mother and seems down.”
    “He and Jess are still not seeing eye to eye. Those two are made for each other if they would only wake up and see it.”
    “I know and I’ll see what I can find out.”
    “Good luck, because I already tried. They don’t talk about it. What’s in the package?”
    “Don’t know, but let’s see.”
    I take one of my keys and slice the tape across the top of the box and open the cardboard flaps. When I look down into the box, I gasp and shut the lid up tight.
    “What’s wrong?” Cory asks.
    “Nothing, I forgot I ordered this and must have not changed the address when I did it.”
    “Okay.”
    Thank God he didn’t see inside this box.

    Carter
    With the ultrasound picture folded up and stuffed into my pocket, I march towards Bethany.
    “I’m going to ask you this once and I expect an honest answer. Do you understand me?”
    She only responds with a nod of her head.
    “Were you ever pregnant?”
    Silence takes over the room and I notice Bethany has tears welling up in her eyes. She looks down to the floor and then back up to me. “I’m so sorry, Carter.”
    “That is not the answer, Beth, and you know it,” I say.
    “That’s all I can say. I can’t answer you.”
    “Don’t play coy with me. And you will answer my fucking question. Do you understand the pain I have gone through thinking I wasn’t here to protect you and our baby? Do you?”
    “No … I didn’t have your child, Carter. I was pregnant, but it wasn’t yours. All the answers are in your briefcase.”
    My nostrils flare as I feel the increased blood flow within my body. My vision becomes cloudy. Pure hate is what I feel right now for the woman in front of me.
    “Beth … I’m going to say this once: get the fuck out of my house. Do not contact me ever again, and I swear if I see your face again I’ll not be held responsible for my actions.”
    When I finish and back away before I lose control, I notice that she’s become pale and all of a sudden seems weak. This isn’t a look I am used to witnessing on her, and I’m taken by surprise when she starts to speak. Bethany’s voice sounds defeated as she explains.
    “For what it’s worth, I am sorry. I never meant for it to get this far. I’ve already packed my bags, since I knew where you were going this morning. I’m leaving the country for a while; it should give you enough time to finalize the divorce.”
    “Don’t you think you need to be here for that?”
    “Not right now, just know that I’m not behind it all, Carter. Also, make sure you watch out for the one you love.” She walks out the door, leaving me confused about that last bit of information.
    I’m more confused than I was before, but at least I’m closer to having all the answers.

Chapter Seven

    Tabitha
    GLAD TO DITCH CORY with the lame excuse that I’m tired and ready to unpack, I throw all my things into the foyer and dig out my phone.
    I punch at the screen to dial Carter and wait for him to answer. As his voice filters through, I start in on him. “Listen you son of a bitch, call the dogs off and leave me the hell alone. I didn’t ask for any of this shit.”
    Carter interrupts me as I try to continue. “Tabitha, calm down and tell me what the hell you are talking about?”
    “The pictures of me in your condo is what I’m talking about. Oh, and why would they mail them to my parents’ house of all places? What is going on, Carter?”
    “I’m not sure what’s going on anymore, Tabby. I can promise you that I’m getting to the bottom of it all, though. It will all be over soon. Can you tell me about the pictures?”
    “Not quick enough, and no,