“It’s my job to look after her. It’s my job to make sure she has everything she needs …”
“And you’re doing an amazing job. None of this is your fault, Luke. You need to remember that. Today was a big step in her fight and I pray with everything I have that it was the step she needed to turn the corner, but she’s going to need you to keep going. And sometimes that means taking a step back and letting someone else carry the load for a little while. Speaking of someone else, where’s Charlotte? I thought she’d be with you.”
“Charlotte’s ... gone.” I almost choked on the word.
“Oh no. What happened?”
“Charlotte’s not the person I thought she was.”
“That can’t be right, Luke. She loves you both.”
“Not enough apparently.” I was bitter and I wasn’t even bothering to hide it. I didn’t see the point.
The venom in my words must’ve been enough for Mrs. Neal to get the message and drop the topic. For now. One thing I’d learned over the years was if Mrs. Neal had an opinion about something she wasn’t going to let it go until she’d said her piece. She’d bide her time and wait until the moment her words would have the most impact before she dropped her bomb.
“It’s getting late. I’m going to go, unless you need me to stay?”
“No. Thank you. You’ve already done more than I could’ve asked of anyone.”
“Oh, don’t be silly. You know I love Isla and I’m here for whatever you need.”
When she wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tightly, I swear she squeezed a few tears right out of me. Her hugs were filled with warmth and love and safety and everything I needed most in that moment.
“We’re fine.”
“Well, Luke, you know all you have to do is ask.”
“Thank you.”
“Will you keep me updated with how she’s going?”
“Absolutely,” I promised easily.
“Okay then. I’ll talk to you later. Good night, Luke.”
“Night.”
With one final hug, I kissed her cheek and walked her to the door. “And, Luke?”
“Yeah?”
“Don’t make any big decisions right now.”
“Decisions?”
“Charlotte. I have no doubt she loves you so whatever has happened, make sure you have the whole story before you jump to conclusions.”
I didn't answer. I couldn’t. I wouldn’t lie to Mrs. Neal but there were no decisions to be made. What’s done was done and there was nothing I could do about it. Charlotte had made her choice and I’d made mine. All that was left to do was to deal with the consequences.
Mrs. Neal left, and I checked on Isla, tugging the blankets up under her chin and making sure Teddy was within reach.
“Daddy?” Isla murmured as she roused.
“Yes, sweetheart?” I bent down until I was at her eye level.
“I love you,” Isla told me, and my heart cracked wide open.
“I love you too, princess. Get some sleep. I’ll be right here.”
