“For what? I didn’t do anything.”
“You invited me to lunch, and I got to see my babies. Even if it wasn’t intentional, I appreciate that.”
“Well, even if it wasn’t intentional, seeing you smile made it worth it.”
She blushed as I squeezed her hand. Lifting it to my lips, I kissed her knuckles. Much to my surprise, she didn’t release my hand until we got to the shop. Turning to the back, she reached for Ellie.
“It was so nice to meet you, Ellie. I hope I can see you again.”
“Me, too! We can watchMoanatogether.”
She giggled. “I’d love that.”
I got out of the car and went to open the passenger door. Alayah stepped out, and I closed it. She stood there for a moment, seemingly hesitating. She trembled slightly as she raised her arms and slid them around my waist before resting her head against my chest. The trembling didn’t subside until I returned the embrace. A breath expelled from her lips as she relaxed in my arms.
This was different. She’d held my hand twice since being home—once during her tattoo and just now in the car. We hadn’t shared an embrace. Even when I walked her to the door the other night, she’d only faintly touched my arm as she said good night. This was nice.
I gently cupped the back of her head and placed a kiss to her temple. She slowly pulled away, peering up at me with a red face.
“I’m sorry. I just…I needed that.”
“It’s no problem,” I said, palming her cheek. “I don’t mind hugging you when you need it.”
She blushed a little harder. “I’d better get back inside. Thank you for lunch.”
“No problem. Have a good day, Alayah.”
“You, too.”
I watched as she disappeared into the building. From my peripheral, I felt someone watching me. I turned my head to see Londyn with a big grin.
“I saw that,” she yelled, laughing as she headed back inside.
All I could do was smile as I got back in the car. In my rearview, Ellie was grinning just as hard.
“What are you grinning at?” I asked.
“Uncle Killian has a girlfriend,” she said, sounding like her damn mama.
She made kissing noises at me, followed by her high-pitched giggles. I shook my head as I put the car in drive.
Chapter 17
Alayah
The week had gone by, and surprisingly, I was in a great mood for most of it.
Being able to spend a little time with my sisters gave me joy like no other. True to her word, Adrienne created a group chat with the three of us. All week long, we’d been texting back and forth. It was nice being able to talk to them, even though it was a risk of Kennedy finding out. Aunt Penny and Uncle Clive cautioned me to be careful.
I tried to tell myself that, but my brain never failed to reason with me that I had a right to have a relationship with my siblings in spite of our mother’s wishes. Yes, I did something horrible, but horrible things had been done to me, too. Horrible things would have been done to them as well if I hadn’t done what I did. In my mind, we’d suffered enough, and I wasn’t going to suffer anymore.
It was Saturday morning, and I didn’t have any plans other than lounging around the house. I’d slept in a little later, then woke up and did my journaling. I’d gotten up to take my shower and dress for the day before cleaning my bedroom and putting in a load of laundry. Currently, I was laid out across my bed reading a book and texting Killian.
When his name had popped up on my screen earlier, I couldn’t help but to smile. I felt myself becoming more and more vulnerable with him. The hug we’d shared after our lunch with his niece gave me so much comfort. It took me back to all the times when he’d hugged me in the past. The embrace was familiar. It was warm and firm, yet so soothing. I remembered his scent and somehow, even his heartbeat.
The sound of footsteps approaching my door caused me to look up from my book. There stood Aunt Penny with a smile.
“Hey, auntie. What’s up?”
