All these years, she’d made friends but had never anticipated the lengths they’d go to keep her safe. “Please tell them thank you for me.”
“Will do.” He pulled from the parking lot, turned the corner, and headed up town.
They rode in silence for the ten-minute drive. She peered out the window and watched buildings and houses go by. She’d come to love this town. It was small, but not too small. It had allowed her the chance to disappear from society and then make friends when she came out of hiding.
Aunt Emily’s house appeared, and Zoey stood on the front porch waving.
Jennie smiled. Her baby was safe. She couldn’t wait to wrap her arms around her child and thank God for the opportunity to continue to raise her. Zoey had been her motivating force to finally leave a bad situation. Well, that and the near-death experience. Her stomach roiled at the thought of what Kenny might have done to her daughter if Jennie hadn’t pressed charges.
For a moment, she realized what a blessing that final abuse had been. It got her off the fence. She’d rediscovered her stubborn independent streak she’d been known for…until Kenny.
“I think someone is ready to see her momma.” David’s low timbre pulled her out of her musing.
“I’m ready to see her too.” She touched the marks on her neck. The visible fingerprints still startled her when she looked in the mirror.
His hand rested on her arm. “I’ve warned her. And don’t forget, she came to your room while you were asleep. She knows. We’ve talked about it. Everything will be fine.”
She stared into his chocolate eyes. She could get used to him taking care of her. But that was the problem, right? She’d done that once before and look where it had gotten her. Broken bones, scars, and a fear of being found. As much as she liked David, could she depend on him? Her heart said yes, but her mind—not so easy to convince. Deep down she knew he was nothing like Kenny. But letting go of her fears and relying on him...
“No child should have to see strangulation marks on her mother’s neck. It’s not right.”
He squeezed her arm in comfort. “I agree, but there’s nothing you can do about that. I think she just wants to make sure you’re okay. Go give her a hug and snuggle with her a while.”
The man was right. Zoey needed the assurance that her mother would be okay.
The corner of her lip curved upward. “When did you get so smart?”
He laughed. “I’m far from it, but it’s what I would want if I were Zoey.” He jumped from the truck and rushed to the passenger’s side. Opening the door, he offered his hand.
She slid hers into his and cautiously stepped onto the sidewalk. She sucked in a harsh breath. Her body ached from the constant abuse over the last few days.
She peered up the walkway. Wow, it looked like a long trek.
David must have sensed her concern. “I’ve got you.” He tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and escorted her to the porch.
She hated being dependent, but she leaned into his strength anyway.
“Momma!” Zoey rushed down the two steps and threw her arms around Jennie’s waist.
David released her and she ran her hand over Zoey’s hair. “Hi, baby. How’s my girl?”
“I missed you.” Zoey’s bright blue eyes stared up at her. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, pumpkin.”
Her daughter’s hands fisted and went to her hips. “Momma, don’t lie to me. We promised. Remember?”
She had to smile. Zoey had made her pinkie swear a couple of years ago that they wouldn’t keep secrets from each other. Her heart dropped to her toes. Her poor child had had to grow up so fast because of Jennie’s mistakes.
“Momma?” Zoey glared at her.
“I remember.”
“Well?”
Jennie sighed and gave up. Her daughter wouldn’t be fooled. “I’m sore and tired, but I’m alive and back with my biggest treasure in the world.”
Zoey studied her then gave a nod of approval. “I believe you. Aunt Em and I made potato soup. Your favorite.”
