“When do we leave?”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Joseph helps me pack my bag faster than I’ve ever moved in my life. My hands shake as I grab whatever I can, stuffing it into my luggage without a second thought. There’s no time to think, no time to second-guess. Just move. Justgo.
Across the room, Anna and Johnny are hunched over their phones, voices urgent as they scramble to book the earliest flights. Every second feels like a countdown.
“Dee, I’m so proud of you. But trust me, this is going to be hard. Fighting for yourself is difficult enough, but fighting for both of you?” Joseph exhales, his expression tight. “I just hope you’re strong enough, princess.” His voice is gentle, but there’s a warning in his words, a quiet plea for me to be careful.
He disappears into the ensuite to grab my toiletries while I slip my tablets—including my antidepressants—into my handbag. My fingers linger on the bottles for a second too long. I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing. I don’t even know if seeing me is what Colt wants—or what he needs.
But I do know one thing…
… I can’t let him keep spiraling.
Joseph walks back out and silently tucks my toiletries into my luggage as I fold my trusty pink and white pajamas and zip up the suitcase. When I look up, he’s already watching me.
We don’t say anything.
We don’tneedto.
A moment passes between us, unspoken but heavy. He knows I have to do this. I know he’s terrified for me. But his support is unwavering.
Without a word, he picks up my luggage, takes my hand, and leads me downstairs—straight into whatever’s waiting for me.
“The taxi’s here,” Anna calls out as we make our way to the bottom of the stairs.
Danny walks in, looks at my luggage, and then at Johnny and Anna.
“Um… what’s going on?” he asks, coming over and pecking Joseph on the cheek.
“Dee is going to get her man,” Joseph replies.
Danny throws his hands up in the air and exhales loudly. “Well, thank the sweet Lord for that. It’s about frickin’ time,” he almost shouts, taking me in his arms.
Anna and Johnny chuckle as Danny manhandles me in a tight bear hug.
“Ah… Danny, I love you and all, but I need my lungs,” I say breathlessly.
He lets me go and holds me at arm’s length. “I’m proud of you, Dee. I’ve only known you for a while, but I’ve never seen anyone so miserable without their other half. You obviously belong with Colt, so go get him, and when you make up over and over again, take pictures,” he says with a smirk.
“Danny,” Joseph exclaims.
“What? It’s Colter freakin’ Slade, and Dee’s hot. Imagine the steamy makeup sex they’ll have. We totally needall the pics.”
“You need a cold shower,” Anna says with a laugh.
The cab honks, drawing our attention.
I turn to Joseph, and he looks at me lovingly. “You can do this. And remember, if you need me, just call. I love you, Dee,” he says, pulling me in for a hug. “Now get on that jet and fix this damn mess.”
I smile as he lets me go. “Thank you… both of you. For putting up with me. I can never tell you how much you both mean to me.”
They both nod and look toward the front door.
Oh shit! Suddenly, I’m beyond nervous.
Not only am I about to board a damn jet to face the wreckage of my past, but I am about to step outside for the first time in two months.
