Her Only Son Read Online Free Page A

checking into this Operation Vala.”
    Good luck with that, Dad. “Believe me, this is well worth it. I know you’re both upset with me, but please understand I really can’t pass up this opportunity.”
    Her mom sat for a moment, staring at Brianna. “It sounds like you’ve made up your mind. You’re a big girl, Kinsey. You have the right to make your own decisions.”
    Her dad stood and walked over to stare out the window. He spoke with his back to her. “I agree with your mom, but I’m not happy with your decision.”
    “I knew you’d be upset and I’m sorry.” When the tears began welling in her eyes, she decided it was time to go. “I have to go talk to Sheila and prepare to leave on Monday. I’ll make sure and come back before I leave to say goodbye.”
    Her dad remained with his back to the room. Her mom simply gave her a blank stare. Kinsey leaned down and kissed her mom on the cheek.
    “Trust me, Mom. This is for the best.”
    Her mom gave a weak smile.
    Kinsey looked toward her dad, who refused to turn around. “I’ll talk to you soon, Dad.”
    He simply waved his hand at her. She grabbed her purse off the chair and barely made it to the hallway before the tears came.
    I wish I could make you both understand I’m doing this for you.

Chapter Four
    When she got to her car, she had to take a moment to calm down before calling Sheila. She knew she had another emotional conversation to make it through and she had to remain strong. When she had her emotions under control, and thought she’d be able to find her voice again, she called Sheila. She answered on the first ring.
    “I was just getting ready to call you! How’s Brianna doing?
    “She’s holding strong and seems to be doing well. I’m leaving the hospital now, want to meet for lunch?”
    “Absolutely! Where do you want to go?”
    “I honestly don’t care. You choose.”
    “Okay, how about that Italian restaurant down the street from work?”
    “Sounds great. I can be there in fifteen minutes. That work for you?”
    “It does. I’ll see you in a few.” Sheila paused. “Are you all right? You seem off.”
    “Not really. I’ll talk to you about it at lunch, okay.”
    Sheila was quiet for a moment. “Okay. I’m on my way.”
    Kinsey sat for a moment and took a deep breath. She contemplated how much she should tell Sheila. Should she let her in on everything that’s happened? Maybe someone should know in case something bad happened to her, but if she told her, would she be putting Sheila at risk?
    She decided the less Sheila knew the better. She really needed someone to talk to about this, but didn’t see any options at this point. She would be leaving Monday morning, for who knows what kind of experience, in a remote area of Nevada. The thought of being forced to have a child, and then simply walk away, was almost too much for her to comprehend. She shook her head as the tears threatened once again. Pull it together, Kinsey. You have to stay strong.
     
    By the time she arrived at the restaurant, she had herself under control. She wasn’t looking forward to going through this all over again with Sheila, but she couldn’t leave without talking to her.
    Sheila was already waiting for her inside the restaurant. She walked up and gave her a hug. Sheila pushed her back and held her out at arms length.
    “So, Brianna is still holding strong?”
    “She is doing well under the circumstances. She’s holding her own and the doctors say her outlook is favorable.”
    “That’s good.” She let go of Kinsey’s arms. “They have a table ready for us, I was just waiting for you.”
    After they were seated at their table, Sheila started looking over the menu. “So, what did you want to talk about?”
    Here we go . “Well, I’ve recently made a decision that will probably come as a shock to you. I know it did to my parents, but I feel you need to know what’s going on before I leave.”
    Sheila put down her menu. “Before you leave?