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“Doll, it’s going to be fine” I look around and feel the despair from all of the dilapidation “Now, your plan makes a lot more sense”

“It’s pretty bad”

“I’hborhood looks like ours”

“We’re on the block now,” she says just above a whisper “Here” She points I nod and pull up next to the driveway It’s a bit rundown, but it looks like it’s well kept The lawn out front doesn’t look bad She only told herhoe Rauard

Then that’s when I see Henrick Gore stepping outside “Lynn,” he calls out, giving her a hug, lifting her off the ground I let out a growl and pull my wife to my side

Doll slaps my chest “Behave”

“I don’t like any man’s hands on you”

“I’m Henrick Gore Lynn’s friend” He sticks his hand out

I shake it with a firht tell ht that everyone wanted theether pisses me off

“Well, that’s going to be a shocker I’ve got to go inside to see this” He leans toward Gwendolyn and whispers loud enough for both of us to hear “Lynn, I got your back”

We enter and Doll makes introductions, but her dad isn’t there I don’t ask questions because I frankly don’t like the guy after learning about her additional half-siblings “What about Ricky? You’re breaking his heart after he chased you to New York”

“Mother, Rick and I were never going to happen”

“No offense, Gore, but Mrs Franks, I am worth much h I don’t think that matters to you You want her to be s”

She opens and closes her mouth several times “Doll, it’s your choice” My beautiful wife reaches up on her tippy toes and whispers in my ear, “I love you The small stipend is the best option”