Page 27 of The One that Got Away
"We will," Oliver assured her, his voice steady despite the maelstrom of emotions he wrestled within. "He's my blood, Ava. I'll protect him with my life."
In that moment, the three adults formed an unspoken pact, their shared commitment to Daniel transcending the chaos of their past and the uncertainty of the future. As they stood in the soft glow of the kitchen light, surrounded by the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of a child's contented sighs, the outside world—with its danger and dark secrets—faded to mere shadows at the edge of their haven.
Lisa glanced at Oliver, her partner in every sense, and felt their bond deepen. They were embarking on a journey neither had anticipated, but together, they would navigate the perils. Their love was a compass in the wilds; their courage, the sails to weather any storm. And though the road ahead was shrouded in mystery, they knew one thing for certain: they would face whatever came with unity and an unwavering determination to protect their newfound family.
Ava's silhouette framed the doorway, her figure poised on the threshold of departure. The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow on her face, an interplay of light and shadow that reflected the turmoil within her heart. She clutched a small, well-worn duffel bag with one hand while the other lingered on the doorframe as if to anchor herself a moment longer in the life she was about to leave behind.
Lisa watched from across the room, where she stood enveloped in Oliver's embrace. His arms were wrapped around her, strong and sure, yet gentle—a fortress in human form. Lisa leaned into his chest, her ear pressed against the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. It was a sound that spoke of constancy and comfort, a balm to the chaos that churned just beneath the surface of their lives.
"Hey," Oliver whispered, tilting Lisa's chin up to meet his gaze. His eyes, dark and fathomless, held a promise that transcended words. He brushed a stray wavy lock from her forehead, tucking it gently behind her ear. "We're in this together, remember? No matter what happens."
Lisa nodded, a lump forming in her throat. The weight of their decision pressed down on her, but Oliver's presence was a buoy keeping her afloat. "Together," she echoed, the word a lifeline between them.
Oliver kissed her then, a soft press of lips that sealed their vow. It was a kiss filled with the layers of their shared history—the trials they'd overcome and the love that had blossomed from adversity. In that brief communion, they reaffirmed their commitment to each other and the new path they were forging.
The tender moment was broken by the faint rustle of Ava shifting from foot to foot, a reminder of the farewell that loomed over them. Lisa released a slow breath and stepped back from Oliver's hold, turning to face Ava with resolve etched into her features.
"Take care of yourself, Ava," Lisa said, her voice thick with unshed tears. "And know that Daniel will always have a home here with us."
Ava nodded, her eyes brimming with a complex cocktail of emotions. Gratitude warred with grief, and hope sparred with heartache.
"Thank you, both of you. I—I won't forget this." Her words faltered, strained by the gravity of goodbye.
Oliver crossed the distance to Ava, his movements hesitant yet compelled by a force stronger than reluctance. He enveloped her in a brief, tight hug, the kind that tried to bridge the gap of years and the chasm of circumstance in a single gesture. When he pulled away, his jaw was set, a muscle ticking in a silent struggle.
"Be safe," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. It shattered something inside Lisa to witness his pain, knowing that part of his heart would always belong to Ava and the life they might have had.
With a final glance laden with unsaid words and unshed tears, Ava turned and stepped out into the fading light of day. The door closed softly behind her, its click resounding like the closing of a book—one chapter ending so another could begin.
Lisa reached for Oliver's hand, lacing her fingers through his as they moved toward the window. They watched in silence as Ava's figure receded down the dusty road, her steps carrying her away from them, from the town, from the threat that drove her into hiding.
"Will she be alright?" Lisa asked, the question hanging between them tinged with worry and wonder.
Oliver squeezed her hand, his gaze never leaving the retreating figure. "She's survived this long; she's stronger than we know. And we'll be here… for Daniel and each other.”
The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of fiery orange and calming purple—a canvas of endings and beginnings. As darkness crept over the landscape, Lisa and Oliver remained at the window, united in their silent vigil, hearts bound by love and a fierce determination to face whatever lay ahead.
The first star of the evening blinked into existence as Lisa and Oliver's eyes lingered on the empty road where Ava had disappeared. The cool night breeze whispered through the open window, carrying a chill that seemed to echo the uncertainty now settling in their hearts.
"Oliver," Lisa murmured, her voice barely above the rustle of leaves outside. "If she was running from something or someone, does that mean they could come here? Looking for her… for Daniel?"
Oliver pulled away from the window, his features etched with lines of concern in the fading light. He wrapped his arm around Lisa, ushering her away from the view of the darkening road.
"I don't know," he admitted, the weight of his admission pressing down on them both. “But we can't live in fear. We have to be smart and cautious."
Lisa nodded, finding solace in the strength of his embrace. She glanced at Daniel, who sat on the living room floor, his small fingers playing with a toy airplane, oblivious to the gravity of the adults' conversation.
"Let's not let these shadows dim the home we've built," Lisa said with a resolve that surprised even herself. "We'll keep him safe together. And if trouble comes knocking…."
"Then we'll face it like we do everything else," Oliver finished for her, his voice resolute. "With love, and if necessary, with the fiercest protection we can muster."
"Tomorrow," Lisa spoke with a newfound determination, "we'll put new locks on the doors, check in with Sheriff Coleman, and maybe get a security system installed."
"First thing in the morning," Oliver agreed, his hand finding hers again, their fingers interlocking with silent promises of mutual support.
They both knew sleep would not come easily tonight, but there was a sense of unity between them—a bond forged in the fires of shared adversity.
Chapter Ten
