No Home Tonight

Suzy huffed, "You don't have to go. Henry told me your ex-husband is loaded, right? We're tying the knot soon, so how about you buy us a house in Kingsgate City? I'll let bygones be bygones."

I nearly burst out laughing. "You've got some nerve! Do you have any idea how much those Kingsgate City houses cost?"

However, she just smirked and said, "Of course I do. Our family owns a place there. If you don't even have a Kingsgate City house, what makes you think you're good enough to marry into our family?

"If you're not on board, maybe I'll just end the pregnancy!"

'It's not my kid. She can do whatever she wants,' I mused.

However, the moment she said that, Mom panicked. She grabbed my arm so hard that it hurt. "No way, that's my precious grandchild you're talking about, Amy! How much money did you get? Spill it!" she pleaded.

I bit my lip. My ex did not just leave me and my daughter with a million in cash; he threw in several properties and even a whole company.

My younger brother was on edge. "Sis, why the silent treatment? Suzy isn't after your cash. I've told you a million times, she's the Cromwell Group CEO's kid! Her liking me is like winning the lottery for us."

I narrowed my eyes. Cromwell Group owned the famous restaurant and hotel chains in town. However, my ex-husband had said he settled that with me.

I cut to the chase. "Really? I happen to know the Head of Cromwell Group. What's her old man's name?"

Suzy gave me an eye roll. "Why should I tell you? You think you're worthy of knowing my dad's name?

"We're not exactly hurting for money. However, Dad insists on marrying someone our own caliber. If you can't afford a house, just say so and stop wasting my time!"

She grabbed her purse, ready to storm out.

My brother was practically groveling. "Suzy, it's freezing out there! Don't catch a cold! It's just a house. Amy will totally help out with that."

Mom was quick to support him. "Exactly, she's got only one baby brother. If she won't help you, who will she help? Amy, say something, will you? Do you want to give me and your dad a heart attack?"

Dad was still fuming, flicking away his cigarette ash. "Why waste words on a thankless snake? If you can't cough up a million five hundred thousand bucks for your brother's house today, you might as well pack your bags!"

Outside, the wind howled and snow swirled.

My little girl clung to my leg, trembling with fear.

The closest town was a solid 30-minute drive away. Frankly, what kind of place would be open on New Year's Eve?

I bit back my frustration and tried to explain, "Dad, I didn't exactly hit the jackpot in the divorce, just a little over a hundred thousand, and it's all for the child."

"Over a hundred thousand is still a chunk of change. Does Tracy really need that much cash?"

Before I could answer, Mom jumped in, "Where's that hundred fifty thousand dollars? Hand it over, I'll keep it safe for you."

My brother wiggled his eyebrows at me and teased, "Hey Sis, it's Suzy's first time over, and you haven't even given her a welcome gift."

Dad gave me that look. "We've put so much into raising you. It's about time you gave back to the family."

Their eyes were practically glowing green, like they were vampires ready to drain me dry. I could not even fake a smile.

"How do you want me to give back? I'm broke."

"Then pack your bags and leave. We don't shelter freeloaders here!"

Dad's finger jabbed towards the door with zero warmth. Fireworks popped in the distance, but I was freezing inside.

I grabbed my daughter, ready to bolt, but my purse seemed to have swallowed my car keys whole.

My brother jingled the keys in front of me. "We need the car to make our New Year's rounds, Sis. Looks like you'll be going on foot."