Tracie Peterson Read Free Page A

friend. “This is Bill Davis. Bill, this is my father, Garrett Lucas, and my brothers, Gavin, Dolan, and Joseph.”
    Garrett was barely controlling his temper as he reached out and yanked Daughtry by the arm. “Evening, Mr. Davis. You’ll have to excuse us now.”
    Daughtry was livid. Garrett continued pulling her down the street, while her brothers firmly discouraged Bill from trying to interfere.
    When they were back in the solitude of the Monroe backyard, Daughtry dug her heels in and stopped.
    “How dare you!” she exclaimed, and the hurt in her eyes changed quickly into rage. “I can’t believe you would embarrass me like that.”
    Garrett looked at her for a moment. “Daughtry, I was only looking out for your best interest. You don’t know that man, and he had no right to be handling you.”
    Daughtry shook her head. “Enough is enough. I’ve had all I’m going to take. You may be my father, but I’m of age and old enough to make my own choices. Good night!”
    Garrett called after her, but Daughtry ran into the house without so much as a glance over her shoulder. She knew they were spending the night with the Monroes, but she had no idea where she was to sleep. Gratefully, she ran into her mother.
    Tears were blinding her eyes, but Daughtry didn’t want to talk about it. “Mother, where am I supposed to sleep?”
    Maggie noted her daughter’s state of mind. “Daughtry, what’s wrong?”
    “The same old thing. Now, I just want to go to bed. Where am I sleeping?”
    Maggie led her daughter to the small room she was to share with Angeline. “I’m sorry, Daughtry. I don’t know what has happened, but I hate the fact that it’s hurt you so much.” She reached out and hugged her daughter close.
    Daughtry wrapped her arms around her mother and sobbed. “I can’t stand it anymore, Mother. I love you all so much, but I have to be allowed to grow up.” She abruptly released her mother and turned away. “I just want to go to sleep now, please.”
    Daughtry knew that she hurt her mother when she shut her out, but she could see no sense in discussing the matter any further. Silently, she undressed and slipped into bed for a good cry before going to sleep.
    ❧
    Morning light dawned, and Daughtry woke with a new determination and outlook on her life. During the night, after hours of praying and pleading with God, she’d decidedto run away from home. At least that’s what she called it, though she doubted that someone could actually run away at her age.Angeline still slept peacefully, and because Daughtry knew the girl had come to bed quite late, she tiptoed around the room collecting her things. After dressing and pinning up her hair, Daughtry made her way downstairs.
    “Morning, Daughtry,” Lillie called to her from the kitchen. “Did you sleep well?”
    “Yes, thank you.” Daughtry struggled to sound pleasant.
    “Are you hungry? I’ve fixed enough food for a small army. Of course with your brothers and James and John, it very nearly resembles just that.”
    Daughtry smiled. “Are Pastor David and Jenny coming over this morning?” Daughtry questioned, referring to Dr. Monroe’s brother and his wife. “I was hoping to talk to them before we left for home.”
    “I think they plan to stop by,” Lillie responded. “Did you not get a chance to see them last night?”
    “No,” Daughtry replied. “I didn’t.”
    “Did you need to talk to them about anything in particular?”
    “Yes,” Daughtry murmured, “but it’s rather, well, personal.” She thought maybe David or Jenny could offer some help or suggestions on where she could go.
    Lillie smiled and nodded. “That’s quite all right, I understand.”
    Within moments, the quiet talk was forgotten as the room filled with the bodies of young men all rivaling the other for the center of discussion.
    Daughtry managed to slip outside with her plate of food. She ate with a ravenous appetite, suddenly remembering that she hadn’t had any