Chapter 16: Gone Riding

“If you hurt that boy, I will f*cking kill you,” Bev declared sternly but with a smile.

“That’s fair.” I laughed. “But it won’t be an issue—”

“I mean it,” Bev interrupted. “I will find you, and I will cut those cute tits right off and feed ‘em to my pigs,” she said, pointing her finger back and forth at my breasts.

Instead of feeling angry and defensive as per usual, I felt compassion and admiration for her loving loyalty. Luke was lucky to have her in his corner.

“Bev, I’m not my mother,” I sighed kindly, placing my hands over hers.

“No, you’re not. I can tell. And that’s why I like ya.” She smiled warmly. “And Luke is far more a son of Bill’s than he is his real father, Mitchell’s. God rest his angry soul.” Bev shook her head sorrowfully. “Like Bill, Luke’s got a good heart. He’s a good man. And he’s been through enough. You understand?”