20. The Breaking Point
20
THE brEAKING POINT
KENZIE
I drive through Silver Ridge, the fall colors painting the town in warm hues of crimson, amber, and gold. The leaves crunch beneath my tires as I cruise down Main Street, drinking in the quaint storefronts and historic buildings.
This place has become more than just a temporary stop—it feels like home.
I touch my stomach, still flat but holding the tiniest spark of life.
"What do you think, bean?" I whisper, my voice is soft and gentle. "Should we make this our home?"
Last night, the nickname appeared without a second thought. I'd have a peanut, a button, and a bean. I grin as the vision of the girls dances in my thoughts.
The idea of staying and building a life here with Everett and the girls feels right. Like this is where I'm meant to be. But doubt creeps in, cold and unwelcome, whispering insecurities in my ear.
What if Everett doesn't want this? What if he resents me for complicating his life?
I shake my head, pushing those thoughts away. "No use borrowing trouble," I mutter, Meme's favorite saying coming to mind. Her warm, soothing voice echoes in my memory, and I can almost smell the soft scent of her perfume.
As I pull up to the shelter on the Peterson’s Ranch, I take a deep breath, steeling myself. Maybe talking to Mel will help clear my head. She always knows how to put things in perspective with her no-nonsense attitude and snarky humor.
But first, I promised Steph I'd help prepare the place for a new family that is arriving this afternoon.
I hop out of the van, grabbing my bag. The crisp mountain air nips at my cheeks, and I pull my jacket tighter around me. Watching this place transition from summer to fall has been like watching the hand of God at work.
Just beautiful.
My eyes drift over the sprawling property, taking in the rustic charm of the barns and fences, and the horses grazing in the pasture. It's a far cry from the gritty streets of Detroit, where I grew up constantly looking over my shoulder.
Here, there's a sense of peace, of safety, that I've never known before.
But it's more than just the physical beauty of Silver Ridge that draws me in. It's the people, the community. The way they've welcomed me, a stranger, into their fold despite the drama that followed me here. Mel, Steph, Big Bear—they've become like family, offering the kind of unconditional love and support I've craved my whole life.
And then there's Everett and the girls. Just the thought of them has my heart swelling with a tenderness I didn't know I was capable of. Those two little munchkins have wormed their way into my heart, their infectious laughter and boundless energy reminding me of what it means to truly live.
And Everett...
Lord, that man is a walking contradiction. One minute, he's all gruff and brooding, his intense gaze enough to make my knees go weak. The next, he's gentle and protective, his actions speaking volumes about the depth of his feelings, even when his words fail him.
I came to Silver Ridge running from my past, from the pain and abandonment that had defined my life for so long. But somewhere along the way, this town became more than just an escape. It became a chance at a fresh start, a chance to finally put down roots and build the kind of life I've always dreamed of.
Sure, there have been bumps in the road—Ian's betrayal, Paige's vicious smear campaign, the whispers and sideways glances from the townsfolk. But through it all, I've found a strength within myself that I didn't know existed.
As I approach the ranch house, I can hear the faint sound of laughter and the clatter of dishes. A warmth spreads through me, chasing away the lingering doubts.
This is where I belong, I realize. With these people, in this place, building a future for my child and myself. Whatever comes next, I'm ready to face it head-on with the same fierce determination that's gotten me this far.
"Kenzie!" Mel opens the door, and I almost yelp. "Thank God you're here. Have you heard?"
"Girl, you scared me." I enter and hang up my purse and jacket, bracing myself for whatever new gossip is making the rounds.
"What now? Did Mrs. Thompson's cat get stuck in a tree again?"
Mel shakes her head, her eyes wide. "No, it's about you."
My heart sinks. "Again? "
We move to the laundry room, and I start loading sheets into the washer, trying to keep my hands busy.
"They're saying..." Mel hesitates, and I turn to face her. "They're saying you're pregnant with Ian's child."
The world stops spinning. The sheets slip from my hands, falling to the floor in a heap.
My vision blurs, and I stumble back, gripping the counter for support.
"What?" I choke out. "That's... that's not true. I mean, I am pregnant, but it's not Ian's. It's Everett's."
Mel's eyes widen. "You're actually pregnant? Oh, Kenzie..."
She pulls me into a hug, and I let out a shaky breath. "I haven't told Everett yet. I was going to do it tonight when he gets back from his trip."
"Oh, honey," Mel says softly. "I'm so sorry. This town and its damn gossip mill."
I pull away, wiping my eyes. "How did this even start?"
Mel shrugs helplessly. "Someone saw you talking to Ian at the store the other day. I guess they put two and two together and came up with five."
"Great," I mutter. "Just great. As if things weren't complicated enough."
"What are you gonna do?"
I shake my head, feeling lost. "I don't know, Mel. I just... I need some air."
Without waiting for a response, I leave and jump into my van. My mind racing as I drive toward Silver Ridge Park, a place that's become my sanctuary. I pull out my phone and call Everett, hoping to catch him, but it goes straight to voicemail.
"Hey, it's me. Call me as soon as you can. I’m heading to the park," I leave the message, my voice shaky.
My eyes drift to the rearview mirror, catching a glimpse of my tired face. I look about as good as I feel.
I drive in silence. The Silver Ridge gossip mill is hovering over me like a storm cloud. As I arrive at the park, I feel the tension begin to ease. This place always offers me solace. It’s where I can process everything—the rumors swirling around me and my spiraling thoughts.
I park, and my feet carry me to my favorite bench without conscious thought. The sunlight dances on the lake like crystals. I take a deep breath as the sounds of the park soothe me.
It feels like I'm chasing peace, but insane people keep finding me.
Ian.
Paige .
Her freaking… ass-kissing minions.
Why?!
"I can’t catch a fucking break."
A wave of nausea grips me, and I fold over, trying not to cry. As I take deep breaths, I think about how I got here.
Just a few months ago, I was in Detroit, feeling lost and alone. I remember the day I decided to leave it all behind. The emptiness in my tiny apartment, the dead-end job, the constant reminders of a life going nowhere.
Meme was dead. Kendrick's in prison. But I had Ian.
His letters had been a lifeline, a promise of something different. Something better. I'd clung to that hope like a drowning woman to a life raft.
Now, sitting here in this beautiful park, surrounded by the warmth and beauty of Silver Ridge, I realize how far I've come. I'm not that scared, desperate girl anymore.
"And I'm not a homewrecker," my voice cracks, and a wave of nausea hits me. "I'm not bean, I promise."
If anything, I'm the glue.
I held my family together. And now I'm doing the same for the Logans.
I think about Everett, about the girls. They've helped me see how I can do this. I can survive tough times. I can thrive through adversity .
And I can love.
Because I came here looking for Ian, but what I found was so much more.
A family. A home. And love .
My hand drifts to my stomach again. This baby, this tiny life growing inside me, is a symbol of everything I've gained here. Everything I stand to lose if I let fear drive me away.
"We're gonna be okay, bean," I whisper, more to myself than the baby.
I stand up, brushing off my jeans. It's time to pick up the girls from school. Time to face whatever happens when I show my face at Milli's. Because I ain't running.
Not anymore.
I check my phone and don't see a call from Everett. He's probably in a meeting. I'll get the girls and talk with him tonight.
As I walk back to my van, I feel my stubborn spirit gearing up for a fight, and I chuckle. Meme used to say I was as stubborn as two mules and a pissed-off bull. And I am because these people are not about to jack my peace.
I'm staying. And I'm fighting for the life I've built here. For the love I've found with Everett.
I reach for the handle of my van and hear footsteps behind me. I spin around…
"You fuckin' bitch! "
My heart leaps into my throat. Paige rushes upon me, her face twisted with rage.
Before I can react, something hard connects with the back of my head. Pain explodes through my skull, and the world goes dark.
I crumble to the ground and my last thought before consciousness slips away is of Everett. Of the girls. Of the life I might never get to live.
Then, nothing .