Noah: You’re already doing it by checking in.
Indie: I’m leaving food on your doorstep tomorrow. And I’m making chocolate pudding for Addie. Let me know if you need anything else.
Noah: Thanks, Indie.
He lowered his phone and ran his fingers through his hair. What he really needed, the only thing he needed, was Addie.
He looked in the garage to see she wasn’t on the phone anymore. Her head was back and her eyes closed. But it was the track of tears down her cheeks that had his heart tearing in two.
Quietly, he crossed the space between them and opened her door. “Hey. How’d it go?”
She turned and looked at him. “Jules is my biological mother.”
“She is.”
“I wish she’d told me from the start.”
He reached up and brushed a tear from her cheek. “Me too.”
“How are you feeling after today?”
“Angry that you were taken from me. Furious that Toby was behind it and I didn’t see it. I want to kill him all over again for putting a gun to your head.”
“That’s a lot of anger.”
“Fortunately, I’ve got a great therapist.”
Addie’s brows flickered. “I hate that Toby used you.”
“But he’s gone now.”
“Thank God.”
Gently, he slipped his arms beneath her legs and back and lifted her.
She gasped. “Noah! I can walk.”
He didn’t care. He needed her close. As close as damn possible.
She sighed before leaning her head against his chest.
Inside, he lowered her to the couch. “I need to feed you and we both need a long-ass shower.”
Addie grabbed his arm before he could go. “That stuff can wait.” She tugged him down and there was no part of him capable of saying no.
He lowered to the couch beside her, and she immediately nestled into his chest.
“I’m sorry she took you,” he whispered.
Her head lifted. “Why areyousorry? It wasn’t your fault.”
“You should have been protected in my home.”
“Iopened the door.Ilet her in. I’d just learned about Jules and I wasn’t thinking clearly.”
“But—”
“No. No buts. It wasn’t your fault. If we’re going to blame anyone, let’s blame Toby. With Cass’s help.” She cringed. “Another staff member we need to replace at the park.”
