“Of course.”
“You’re so sweet. Well, if it helps, you’re a great kidnapper.”
“Really? That helps a lot, actually. If you had to review this experience out of five, what would you give it?”
“Five being the best one?”
“Yeah?”
“Oh, totally five stars, would recommend.”
“Okay, phew. I wasn’t sure if I needed to growl a little more or something. It’s harder than you think, you know? It’s not like you can just take a kidnapping course.”
“That’s true. You are so brave, Arlo, for forging your own path.”
“Thank you, Sorrow. I feel like you really get me.”
“Bless you. Well, I’m free next Thursday if you want to kidnap me again. You know what they say. Practice makes perfect?”
“You’d do that for me?”
“Of course. I mean, what’s a little Stockholm Syndrome between friends?”
It’s quiet for a beat before we both turn to look at each other, grinning manically, before we dissolve into fits of laughter. This was precisely what I needed after that ugly scene in the courtroom.
“Thanks, Arlo.”
“I told you I got you. Though I really am kidnapping you. I figured we’d spend some time with Matilda and the kids. It’s hard to be sad around that bunch. Oh shit, I never thought about the baby?—”
I reach over and squeeze his arm gently.
“It sounds perfect, Arlo, thank you. And I don’t want to avoid doing things or have people worrying about what they say around me because they’re worried it will trigger a sad memory of my baby. I’m more worried about my baby being forgotten altogether. She deserves to be remembered. I never made it far enough to get a photo or hear her heartbeat for the first time. My memories of carrying her for those few precious weeks are all I have. Yes, it hurts to remember, but it hurts more to forget.”
“You’re something special, Sorrow. I’m sorry shit went down the way it did, but I’m glad you found your way back to us.”
“Us?” I tease. “I thought I was dating Banner. I don’t have nearly enough daddy issues to add you to the mix.”
“Brat. I mean us, your family.”
“If you make me cry…”
“You’ll tell Banner, and he’ll kick my ass?” He smirks cockily. This is when I remember Banner telling me that this man is somewhat of a savant in the ring.
“No, I’ll tell Matilda that you hate her baking.”
His mouth drops open as he looks at me. “Wow. You think you know a person.”
I laugh loudly in his face, as we drive up a twisted driveway to the beautiful house on the bluffs.
“Wow. I loved this place as a kid. I always thought it was a place where princesses lived.”
“They do.” He winks at me before climbing out and walking around to open the door for me. He offers me his hand and helps me out before walking me to the door.
Before we can knock, the door opens, and Matilda is standing there with an apron on and a smudge of flour on her face.
I look up at Arlo, who smirks at me. “Yeah, it takes a little while to get used to.”
“Get used to what?” Matilda asks, taking a step back.
