Free Keep It Simple (MMG Series Book 4) by R.B. Hilliard Page A

Sterling’s precious little princess. For the majority of our separation, Alexandria Ashford would be locked away in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility, instead of serving a life sentence behind bars for having killed our only son like she should be.
    I made it back to Charlotte at the stroke of midnight. Sarah was nowhere to be found. Because of Alexandria, I would never know if Sarah showed up tonight or not. I would never see her smiling face or kiss her berry lips again.
    Once upon a time I was a man with a full life with a bright future ahead of him. Now, all I knew was regret.

Chapter Five
    Sarah
    ‡
    “A re you sure you have to go back today? Just because Max and Ellie are on their honeymoon doesn’t mean you have to rush back, you know. You can stay with me.”
    Ignoring Amanda, I stared out the window at the trees flashing by and tried to assess what I was feeling. Disappointed, let down…sad.
    “Sarah, are you listening to me?”
    Last night my brother married the woman of his dreams. The wedding was incredible. Max and Ellie were finally getting their happily ever after. Lord knows they both deserved it. The moment they left the reception for the hotel, I said my goodbyes to everyone and took off for Cas’ place.
    Only, Cas wasn’t there.
    One hour and fifteen minutes I sat on the stoop outside his apartment complex waiting for him to show. When both exhaustion and frost bite set in, I gave up and drove back to Max and Ellie’s house. Cas made me no promises, so why did I feel cheated? Because I wanted more. Now, after a pitiful night’s sleep, I was on the way to the airport and wasn’t sure I wanted to go back.
    “It’s probably for the best he didn’t show last night.” Amanda’s harsh words cut straight to the core of it. “I mean, you know nothing about the guy,” she continued. “You don’t even know his last name.”
    “I can easily find out his last name, Amanda. All I have to do is Google his address.”
    “That’s not the point,” she huffed.
    Amanda was right. If Cas wanted me to know his last name, he would have told me. In fact, I waited for him to do so the other night, but he didn’t. Nor did he give me his phone number…or say goodbye.
    My heart lurched as we pulled up to departures. Ten days ago, I was so secure in my convictions. I was angry my brother had sent me away. I was never going to move home. I was so sure about my future. Now, I wasn’t sure about anything. Max didn’t want to send me away. He was only keeping me safe. More than once this week Max had spoken to me about what happened. Each conversation ended with him telling me how much he wanted me home. In fact, just yesterday morning both he and Ellie tag teamed me about moving back.
    Before opening the car door, I told Amanda, “Max wants me to move back before the baby comes.”
    An earsplitting smile appeared on her face. “Really? That’s April, right? I don’t leave for the summer until June, so that will leave us plenty of time to tear up the town.”
    “It will give me just enough time to finish my spring classes and put in a transfer.” I told her.
    Her eyes lit with joy. “So, you’re going to do it?”
    Am I really going to do it? I asked myself. It was amazing how much had changed in such a small amount of time. “I’m seriously considering it,” I admitted.
    “Hell yes!” Amanda shouted, and pumped her fists in the air. We both laughed.
    Glancing down at my watch, I sighed. “I have to go or I’ll miss my flight.”
    “Okay, go. Be safe. I’ll see you in April.” Right as I opened the door, she added, “I’ll be sure and text if I see Cas at Patterson’s.”
    With a tight smile, I sarcastically replied, “You do that, you cheeky cow.” Then I closed the door on her laughter and waved my middle finger her way as I entered the terminal.
    The entire flight back to Scotland I thought about moving back to Charlotte. I dreaded breaking the news to the Hodsons. They had