“I’d do it again,” I say.“Every time.”
Her breath catches, a soft, shattered sound. And in her eyes,God…it’s everything. All the fear. All the love she’s been holding back. All the things we haven’t said yet.
She lays her head carefully back on my stomach, arms wrapped around me like I’m something fragile she refuses to lose.
I let my fingers rest in her hair again, my chest easing for the first time since I hit the floor of that courtroom.
She’s safe. Mia’s safe. We made it.
“Summer…” I whisper, because I can’t stop saying her name.
She hums a broken, relieved sound against me.
“Baby,” I whisper one more time, softer than breath.
Summer is still curled gently against my stomach when the door creaks open.
I hear a soft shuffle. A tiny inhale. And then…
“… Efan?”
My heart stops.
Summer lifts her head, eyes widening, and turns toward the door.
Mia stands there in her little pink coat, Penny behind her. Her eyes are huge and shiny, her bottom lip wobbling as she clutches her stuffed rabbit to her chest like she’s protecting it from the world.
Penny whispers,“It’s okay, sweetheart. You can go.”
Mia takes one hesitant step… then another.
Then she breaks.
“EFAN!”
She runs, full speed, chaotic little footsteps straight to the bed.
Summer catches her halfway so she doesn’t jump onto my bandaged arm. But Mia wriggles free and crawls gently up beside me, her tiny hands shaking as she presses them to my chest.
“You got hurt,” she whispers, voice cracking.“You got hurt’cause of me.”
Oh God. No. No no no…
“Mia.” My voice is rough, but firm.“Hey. Look at me.”
She lifts her chin, tears streaming down her cheeks.
I use my good hand to cup her cheek, my thumb brushing her tear away.
“Nothing that happened,” I say slowly, deliberately,“is your fault. Not one thing. Do you hear me? I’d do anything to keep you safe. Anything.”
Her face crumples.
“And Mommy?” she whispers.“She was scream…screamin’…”
I swallow hard. Summer’s fingers slide into mine, grounding me.
“We’re okay,” I say softly.“Mommy’s okay. I’m okay. And you…” I tap her nose gently.“You’re safe. That’s all that matters.”
