He runs to the kitchen and returns with a large box.
I wipe his nose, then nod to the arm of the couch. “Do you want to watchBluey?”
He grins and climbs up next to me. I turn on an episode, and I listen to him giggle.
I’m not sure what happened or what’s coming next. I peek at Sarah, drooling on the couch, and I realize I don’t care. This is where I want to be.
It’s been a long time since I’ve felt needed, and it feels damngood.
Chapter 29
SARAH
Rough fingers drag against my temple, then over and through my hair. I keep my eyes closed, hoping it continues. It soothes my aching body and calms my mind, which wants to chase fear—a fear so great it will consume me.
The back of his knuckles run over my cheek and along my jaw.
When he charged over this afternoon, I’d never been so happy to hear that overpowering growl. It was as if he knew I needed him.
And he’s still here.
I recognize the low hum of the TV and shift just enough to become aware that my head is not resting against the worn couch but against Slade’s muscled thigh.
I pop up, searching for Frankie and Ollie.
“Hey.” His fingers grip my hip, keeping me from falling off the couch.
Ollie is sprawled on the floor, sound asleep on a pillow and wrapped in a blanket. Frankie is tucked inside Slade’s arm over his chest, her cheek squished against his pec. She looks so peaceful. I can’t blame her. I know exactly how safe those massive arms feel.
I lie back down, not even caring how incredibly inappropriate it might be to put my head in his lap. My life was already swirling around the drain, but I was just sucked under.
I stare at the silly Australian cattle dogs discussing moving and what’s best for their family. My throat burns with despair and anxiety as they realize home is where they should stay.
I squeeze my eyes shut tight, needing it to squelch the fire. I can’t even think about what could be coming.
The raging force is too great, and the truth spills out in a whisper. “Slade, I’m scared.” I clench my jaw, withholding the sob that wants to break free. Maybe if I say it out loud, the threat will lose some of its power.
I feel his gaze drop to me, but I can’t look at him. His large hand cups my shoulder, his thumb running back and forth.
“I was so young and stupid. I think maybe he knew that. Saw straight through me and how naive I was in a brand new world. I believed everything he told me, even when his actions didn’t match up.”
My mind swirls with memories. Miles missing dates and making excuses. He wouldn’t call or be home when he was supposed to. He didn’t put his hand on my pregnant belly or talk to Ollie. When I saw the text messages and caught him in his office with another woman the first time, I believed him when he told me it wouldn’t happen again. Or maybe I just wanted to.
“How did you meet him?” Slade’s question is soft and calm.
“I was living in Chicago. I went to an event and never saw him coming. It’s a tale as old as time.” I sniff, trying to clear my stuffy nose. “He was charming, successful, and told me all the things I wanted to hear.”
My stomach pulls into a tight knot and twists with reality. “I can’t fight him. He’s smart and has all the right connections and a platform.”
“What do you mean?” It’s that low bark, and it almost makes me smile. Almost.
“He’s a news anchor in Chicago, but he just got the Sunday slot on The Morning Show in New York.”
“Like on KBC?”
I nod against his leg. “I think he spent more time in his office with the pretty young interns than behind the news desk. He’s the golden boy of the news hour. People love him.” I swipe my nose. “I knew he was cheating on me. How pathetic is that? When I had Ollie, I wanted to believe he had found something more important to do with his time. He’d only gotten better at hiding it.” I breathe through the ache. “I didn’t want Ol to grow up without a dad, wondering why he was never enough to stick around for.”
Slade grunts like maybe he understands that feeling.
