Total pages in book: 45
Estimated words: 43198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 216(@200wpm)___ 173(@250wpm)___ 144(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 216(@200wpm)___ 173(@250wpm)___ 144(@300wpm)
Eli comes straight to me, one hand in Miller’s, the other reaching for mine. He steps between us, holding both our hands like he needs us together.
Miller’s eyes flick over my face. “Everything okay?”
I nod. “Yeah. Your sisters have been plying me with tea and cookies.”
“Cookies?” Eli perks up.
Skyler grabs a box. “I brought all kinds. You’re going to be my official taste tester, okay?”
“What’s a taste tester?” Eli asks.
Miller pats his shoulder. “Someone who eats food and tells the baker what they think. Skyler’s always making cookies, cupcakes, brownies… you’ll be a big help.”
Skyler holds one out. “This is my mash cookie. Chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, caramel chips, a little salt on top. Wanna try it?”
Eli looks up at me.
I nod.
He takes a bite, and we all watch him chew. His eyes go wide. “Yum,” he says around a mouthful. “This is the best cookie I’ve ever had.”
Skyler lights up, throwing an arm around him. “I like this kid.”
He leans into her and shoves the rest into his mouth.
Miller’s hand settles at my back, warm and steady. I lean into him without thinking.
“Thank you,” he says to his family.
They brush it off, pulling him, and then Eli and me, into hugs like it’s nothing. As they leave, they remind me I have their numbers.
When the door closes, it’s just the three of us.
I turn to Miller. “We need to talk.”
He glances at Eli.
I rest a hand on Eli’s shoulder. “Hey, bud, your books are upstairs. Want to go read while Miller and I talk?”
Eli looks between us. Then at Miller. “Are you leaving?”
Miller crouches down in front of him. “You mean tonight?”
Eli shrugs. “I mean… anytime.”
Miller exhales. “I work a lot, but mostly from home. Sometimes I’ll leave, but I’ll always come back.”
My breath catches. Miller glances up at me, but I just shake my head.
Eli’s voice turns small. “What if… what if you’re not here?”
Miller’s expression softens. “Until I take care of things, you and Lindsey will be with me or Mike.”
“Miller—” I start.
He smiles at Eli. “Go grab your books. I want to see what you’re reading.”
Eli nods, then hugs me tightly around the waist. “I love you, Aunt Lindsey.”
I press a kiss to his head. “I love you too. We’ll be up soon.”
He runs off, and I almost call after him, but Miller’s gaze is already on me.
He gestures to the living room.
I sit on the couch; he takes the spot beside me.
“What was that about?” I ask. “You said he’s worried about his grandparents taking him. I never told him that.”
Miller exhales slowly. “They told him. Said awful things about his mom, about you. Told him they’d take him away.”
Something tightens in my chest. “I shouldn’t have called you.”
He flinches. Actually flinches.
“Why would you say that?”
I drag a hand through my hair. “Because I don’t think you or your family understand what I’ve brought to your door. The Davenports don’t stop. I should’ve just left instead of dragging all of you into this.”
“Hey.” His hand cups my cheek, steadying me. “None of this is your fault. And don’t say you shouldn’t have called me. I’m glad you did.”
“I said I’d stay and work for you, but maybe it’s better if we just go. I can run somewhere they won’t find us.”
“You’re not running.”
“But—”
His hand presses lightly against my thigh. “You’re not running. I’ve got a better idea.”
I squeeze my eyes shut. Now that I’ve had some sleep, everything feels more clear, and calling him feels wrong. Like I’m doing exactly what people expect. Using him.
“Miller… this was a mistake.”
He takes my hand, threading our fingers together. “I need you to trust me.”
“I do.” The answer comes fast. I throw up my free hand. “Do you really think I would’ve called you if I didn’t?”
CHAPTER 12
MILLER
I get straight to the point. “Logan and Zach showed me everything they found on the Davenports.”
Her eyes widen, and she leans back like she’s been hit in the chest. “You’re not going to help me, are you?”
I grab her hand and hold it. “Stop. Of course I’m going to help you, but I don’t know if you’re going to like how I’m going to do it.”
She hesitates. “What do you mean?”
I lift my chin. “They have filed with the court that you are unfit. You don’t have a paying job. You are not able to provide care for him since you work odd hours. They say you leave him home alone. You—”
She cuts me off. “Are you kidding me right now? I would never just leave him at home by himself. He’s seven.”
I nod and try to reassure her. “I know you wouldn’t, but the Davenports are good at twisting the truth.”
She groans. “What am I going to do?”
I wrap both my hands around hers. “From this point forward, it’s we. What are we going to do? I’m in this with you, Lindsey, and it will be over my dead body that I let someone take Eli from us.”