As I studied her, an idea came to me. “I’ll take care of it,” I said firmly. “And I’ll take you home tomorrow.”
My phone buzzed in my pocket once, twice, then again and again.
Evie cocked a brow, reaching for Vincent. So with a sigh, I gently handed him to her. Immediately, he started to root. God, this kid already had his dad’s appetite.
I dug out my phone and frowned down at the screen filled with text notifications from my siblings, Gabe, and Chief Ashburn, my boss. It seemed as though everyone had information about the murder or road closures or the loss of business. It was difficult to fathom. Will McManus, gone. Such a hardworking, eager kid.
It was so fucking unfair.
And in this town? A place that prided itself on small-town values and helping our neighbors? Just the thought that there was danger out there sent a chill down my spine.
I surveyed Evie and Vincent. I couldn’t bear the thought of anything happening to them.
Josh needed me to replace lines and manage deliveries. We were limiting the people who came onto our property for now, so we were shorthanded. And I’d probably be picking up extra shifts with the road closures and the townsfolk in a tizzy like they had been for the last couple of days. How did parents find time to work and take care of other responsibilities while their kids existed?
Just the thought of leaving made my chest ache and a wave of guilt sweep through me. But a whole slew of people needed me.
One by one, I responded to messages, tapping the screen quickly, not bothering to double check that I hadn’t made typos. I’d hit Send, then quickly move on to the next.
“Looks like you’ve got a lot to worry about.”
I peeked up at Evie, shrugging. “I’ve got it handled.”
She tilted her head. “It’s okay. This is a lot. And Vincent and I don’t need you here to play house with us.”
There it was again. This time I didn’t let the blow land the way it had earlier. I was onto her. She went on offense to avoid playing defense.
“I’m a Lawrence,” I said cooly. “Emotional defense mechanisms are a family specialty. So I see what you’re doing.”
She lowered her head, fussing over Vincent, who was happily suckling.
I flexed my fists, trying to quell the storm brewing in my brain. I had so much to learn and so much to do. It was overwhelming, knowing how different everyday life would be now that Vincent was here.
But my biggest worry? How Evie and I were going to make this work.
Obviously the two of us were different. But she was the mother of my child.
She may not believe me now, but I’d make it my mission to prove her wrong. If there was one thing I was good at, it was showing up. And she’d realize sooner or later that I wasn’t going anywhere.
I brushed my knuckles along his tiny fist. “See you tomorrow, buddy,” I said softly. Then I straightened, meeting Evie’s wary eyes.
“Tomorrow,” I said. “I’m taking you home.”
She inhaled, like she was preparing to argue.
Before she could shoot me down, I said, “I’ve already got a car seat, so I’m taking you home.”
Maybe that wasn’t technically true, but I’d send the rookie to Walmart tonight. He could FaceTime me from there, and I’d find the safest model and have it installed and ready by morning.
For a split second, emotion flickered across her face. Or maybe it was surprise. It could have been my imagination, but I swore she even looked a bit impressed.
Good. Because I was just getting started.
Outside in the parking lot, as I strode to my car, my chest ached with equal parts exhaustion and adrenaline. I’d activate the entire Maplewood network,pull every single string I had. If Evie thought she was doing this alone, she was sorely mistaken.
Chapter 5
Evie
