“There.Unless it’s your family checking on you, it can ring all night.I won’t answer it.”
My mouth drops open as I glance between the device and Jake.
I don’t believe him.
But god, I want to.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
JAKE
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It doesn’t take longbefore Caylee falls asleep on my chest.The TV show flickers in the darkness, the sound so low I have no idea what’s going on.
Yet, I keep staring at it.
Truth is, I’m focused on the softness of Caylee’s body, the fact she’s safe in my arms, and the gentle beating of her heart.
It’s all that matters.
Sheis all that matters.
I think I knew this from the very beginning, but it took almost losing her—really losing her—to sink in.
I know how it feels to lose someone, and how permanent it is.My sister and my cousin, when she disappeared.I know how regret lives in the crevices of your mind every day and every night.
I’m so fucking grateful we caught the van and still have Caylee here with us tonight.So much so I could almost cry.Something I’ve done maybe three times in my life.
I sniff.
If I’m going to keep her, I need to work out my own problems.
My family is a giant disaster.Losing Becca was as a result of my father’s drinking, and we all use it as an excuse for our problems.
It’s not.
