Her hazel eyes glow, and she throws herself into my arms, hugging me. “Thank you,” she breathes.
“Of course, honey. I love you, and I am going to make sure you and the others have an amazing life.”
She sits back and wipes her eyes. “You already have… but there is one thing.”
“Oh yeah? What?” I laugh, and she looks at the screen as the end credits roll.
“A puppy.”
My phone ringsaround two in the morning, and I know who it is. I haven't had much time to really think about what I discovered tonight, but the fact he took care of my mess, protecting me again… I've decided to hear him out.
Earlier I was in such panic, I think I may have overreacted. He's been nothing but respectful to me. And he's amazing with the kids. I can't see him ever harming us.
Leena softly snores on the other end of the couch as I carefully remove the blanket from me and stand up.
As I tiptoe through the house, I can't help but think how different my life is now. I'm being quiet so I don't wake up the kids. Not because my husband is drunk and in a bad mood.
I press the buzzer to open the gate as I see his truck parked there. As he drives up to the house, I rewind my security tapes to see if I can find Lexi.
That's where Rock finds me. In the small office, watching Patrick chloroform my sister and drag her away.
“Why was she here?” I speak out loud, and he pulls me into his arms.
“I don't know, but we will find out,” he mumbles, and I turn to look at him. His eyes are tired, and he looks like it's taking maximum effort to keep upright.
“It's all my fault. She would still be here if Patrick wasn't coming after me.”
He presses his finger against my lips, shutting me up. “She saved you and probably her kids. He was here to hurt you all, Shina.”
I shake my head, about to argue when he yawns again and blinks his eyes.
“Why are you here, Rock? You should have gone home. You look wrecked.”
He sighs and rubs his chin. “I told you I was coming. And I need to explain everything… I can't lose you over my family.”
I look him deeply in the eyes and see it clearly. He really does love me.
I lean forward and kiss him. “I can't lie and say it doesn't scare me, but if they are anything like you deep down, kind,loving, compassionate, protective, and fierce, I think I'll like them.”
He laughs, then kisses me again. “You're incredible, baby girl. And I promise we will talk more about everything, but first come meet them. My mom has been blowing my phone up asking to bring you all to Christmas.”
I sit back and pause. He wants me to meet his mom? I know he mentioned it before, but it didn't settle in.
“I… I'm not sure, Rock. What about the kids? This is our first family Christmas.”
“Bring them. Alla too. The more the merrier. My mom will spoil them rotten, and she's already bought gifts for them. Even made Alec a knitted blanket.”
“Wow,” I breathe. “This is a lot. Let me think about it. But for now let's get some rest.”
He follows me up the stairs, and when we find the twins in my bed, he helps me move them to their rooms before climbing into my bed with me.
As he wraps me in his arms, I can't help but to think how safe he makes me feel.
I don't know what our future will hold, but I think we will be okay.
Chapter Nine
Shina
