Promised (The Promised Series)

what?” I ask confused.
    “I wanted to hate this guy, but how can I hate someone who would do something that sweet just to see you smile?” She lets out a sigh. Then getting serious she asks. “Are you going to turn your back on us?”
    I know she doesn’t just mean her, Adam and the baby. She wants to know if I’m going to leave my Romani life behind.
    “I don’t want to lose you or Adam and I really don’t want to lose watching Lil Wyn grow up.”
    “But?” Dani asks, ignoring the nickname I have given my unborn niece or nephew. She knows me too well.
    I flash her a smile that doesn’t reach my eyes. “But I don’t know if I can agree to marry Shay. Even if Linc wasn’t in the picture, I can’t see myself married to Shay.”
    “Do you know what will happen if you refuse?” We both know what’ll happen, but I think she needs to hear me say the words.
    “I’ll be shunned by the family.” It takes every ounce of my energy to keep myself from crying as I put that statement out there.
    Dani puts the car into park as she pulls into my driveway and immediately pulls me across the car into a hug.
    “I’m going to have to go through with it or I’ll lose you.” I let the tears fall.
    “Shhhh, you don’t have to make the decision tonight.” She tells me as she pulls back and wipes away my tears. In that moment, I know she’s placating me because we both know I’ve already made my decision. I’ll marry Shay because there’s no way I can leave my best friend.

Chapter 7 – Linc
    ~Save Me from Myself~
    “Linc, is that you?” I hear Mom call as soon as I slam the front door. It took me twenty minutes to clear my head enough that I could drive home. I wanted to kiss Wyn so bad and I’d been so close to leaning in and taking what I wanted from her. But I can’t do that. With her, I have to keep my head and take my time. She’s like a timid little deer and if I move too fast, it’ll scare her off for good, and that’s the last thing I want to happen.
    “Yeah, it’s me, Mom.” I call back.
    “Come tell me how the volunteering went.”
    I walk into our family room where Mom is curled up on the couch watching her favorite program. She pauses the show and pats the seat beside her. I kick off my shoes and slide under the throw cover to lean against her side.
    “So, how did you like it?” She asks as she puts her arm around my shoulders. Ever since I told her about the meeting with the counselor, she’s been unsuccessfully hiding the fact that she wants me to change my mind about enlisting. She stands by my dad’s decision to be a career soldier, but it doesn’t change the fact that she’s worried about losing him to the war. She’s explained to me many times that she doesn’t want to see that life for me or my future family. So she’s using my crush on Wyn to push college. I’m trying not to get her hopes up because I know enlisting is the right decision for me, but I can’t make myself break her heart.
    “It was nice.”
    “Come on, tell me more. I’ve been home all evening by myself and I want to hear more. Did the girl like the cupcake?”
    “Yeah, she loved it.” I state with a smile on my face. The memory of Wyn’s face lighting up at the sight of that little confection made my heart flutter. It was something so small, but she looked like I’d given her a priceless diamond.
    “What’s her name?” My mom asks, returning my smile.
    “Arwyn, but everyone calls her Wyn.”
    “That’s a beautiful name. When will you bring her to meet your old mom?”
    “As soon as I can talk her into a date, I’ll bring her by to meet you.” I promise.
    “Has she turned you down?” She asks confused.
    “I haven’t asked yet; it’s a unique situation.”
    “Explain.” She demands in that mother voice that no kid can deny.
    “Have you ever heard of the Romani?” I ask on a sigh.
    “As in the gypsies?” She asks, her brow creased in confusion.
    “Yep.” I answer.
    “Is this girl a gypsy?” She asks, pulling away to sit up a little straighter.
    “Yes. But Mom, she isn’t like what you’re thinking.” I rush to clarify before she makes the wrong assumptions.
    “I’m not saying she is, Lincoln.” She meets my eyes. “It’s just that I’ve heard the stories about how wild some of them can get.”
    “Mom, she’s not like that at all. She’s sweet and caring. She’s volunteered at that children’s center since she was a kid herself and she also tutors at the