“I know, he understands.”
“Eleven work?”
“Yeah.”
Another pause, softer this time. “Can I sing you to sleep?”
I press my lips together, nodding even though he can’t see it. “Mm-hmm.”
“Please don’t cry, baby,” he whispers. “Okay, how about something happy? One of our songs.”
“Yes, please,” I whisper.
He starts to sing. His deep, gravelly voice pours through the speaker like honey. It breaks something open in me but alsosoothes it. I shift onto my side, press the phone to the pillow, and pull the covers over me like a cocoon.
And for the first time in a week, I fall asleep with something close to peace.
***
As Joseph drives us toward the manor, my heart won’t stop pounding. I keep telling myself this is about the donor results, not about Colt. Not about us.
But I’m not sure I can hold it together.
I know what will happen the second I see him. I will want to run into his arms, to kiss him, and pretend none of this ever happened. But that won’t help. This visit is for one reason only—to hear the results and pack up more of my things so Colt can focus on his son.
We reach the gate, and I lean out the window to press the button. When it opens, we roll forward, and I bounce my leg uncontrollably.
“Dee, it’s going to be okay,” Joseph says gently, resting his hand on my knee. “I’m right here.”
I nod, swallowing hard. I know Joseph won’t let things spiral, but seeing everyone again—Hux, Grace, maybe even Macy and Caleb—fills me with nervous dread. I can only imagine how much Hux hates me right now.
As we pull up to the front of the manor, I spot Hux’s car and tense even more. “I don’t think I can do this,” I whisper.
“Yes, you can,” Joseph says, turning off the engine. “You’re stronger than you think. Plus, if Colt gets out of line, I owe him a punch.”
“You’re not punching Colt,” I mutter.
“Maybe. Maybe not. But the offer stands.” He gets out before I can argue. I follow, stepping onto the gravel that feels bothfamiliar and foreign. We walk toward the front door. It opens before we reach it, and there he is…
Colter Slade.
His blue eyes lock on mine, a soft smile tugging at his lips. But as he starts to step toward me, Hux grabs his arm, stopping him.
My stomach twists.
I look down at the floor, forcing myself to breathe.
“Hey, guys,” Joseph says casually.
I hear Hux huff, but ignore it.
“I missed you,” Colt says softly. “You look beautiful.”
I glance up. His expression is full of emotion, and I have to close my eyes to stop myself from crying. “Sorry,” he adds when I don’t respond right away.
“It’s okay,” I manage, and instinctively, I reach for his hand.
He grips mine tightly.
