“You can stay as long as you want, as long as you don’t mind an extra houseguest.”
“Tara?”
Grinning, he nodded.
“Perfect. Can we leave now?” she asked, resting her head on his shoulder. “I’m so tired. I want to go home.”
“Absolutely.” He climbed out of the ambulance then helped her down before sweeping her off her feet and into his arms.Home.Such a simple word with so much meaning, and now he understood deep within in his soul that wherever Eve was, that was home.
And he hoped she’d stay there with him forever.
Eve curled next to Reid on the sofa at his apartment and sipped the warm tea he’d made her after breakfast. The lemony liquid soothed her throat, even if swallowing hurt like hell.
She hadn’t slept well. Nightmares had plagued her, pulling her into a kaleidoscope of fear with Tyson Brown as the leading man. Each time she woke, drenched in sweat and afraid of where she’d find herself, Reid was there. Holding her close and soothing her with sweet kisses and gentle words.
“Morning!” Tara called, sneaking her way into the kitchen for a cup of coffee. Once she’d doctored her drink, she joined them in the living room, sitting in the chair across from the sofa. “How you feeling?”
Eve shrugged, words to explain her emotions hard to find. She slipped her hand into Reid’s and grinned up at him, choosing to focus on the positive. “I’m good, with things only looking up from here.”
“You’ve got that right.” He kissed her forehead then snuggled her close. “What about you, Tara?”
She tipped her head from side to side as she sipped her coffee. “Okay. Dad called again last night.”
Reid tensed.
Eve set her mug on the end table then rested her free hand on top of the one already joined with Reid’s. “What did he say? Is he upset you stayed in Cloud Valley?”
Tara blew out a long breath. “He wasn’t happy, but I think it shook some sense into him. Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but he seemed to understand his actions were driving everyone away.At least that’s what he said before telling me he was headed back to rehab.”
“Let’s see how long he lasts this time.” Reid snorted then glanced down at Eve. Something skittered across his face, a peacefulness that resembled acceptance. “But I hope he stays. It’s about time he figures out how to slay his own demons. Just like the rest of us.”
His answer buoyed her spirits. His feelings about his father were complicated and filled with sadness. He might never forgive the man who’d raised him, but letting go of his anger and resentment was a necessary part of healing.
Something she’d have to do in time where her feelings toward Tyson Brown were concerned.
But that’s what time and therapy were for. This morning she was grateful to be in a safe home with the man she loved beside her.
A loud knock at the door tensed her muscles and her heartbeat went into overdrive. “Are we expecting company?”
“No.” Frowning, Reid stood and crossed to the door. He glanced through the peephole and tossed a smile over his shoulder. “Although I think you’ll be happy about these unexpected guests.”
He opened the door, and Suzy flew into the room with Becca behind her.
Suzy’s blond hair was tied back in pigtails, and she carried a small bouquet of wildflowers. She hopped onto the couch, stopping abruptly before launching herself at Eve. “I brought flowers.”
Eve’s breath caught as she stared at the sweet offering. The scent permeated her senses, making her dizzy and threating to suck her back in time. Back to a place filled with fear and dread.
Suzy gently rose to her knees and leaned forward to press a slobbery kiss to Eve’s cheek. “I lub you.”
Joy and love washed through her, erasing the ugliness clinging to her brain. Tyson Brown might have tried to steal the things in her life that brought her so much joy, but he’d failed. She didn’t have to avoid places and things because a monster had weaponized them against her. She just had to remember it was the meaning behind the gesture—the gift—that was important. “I love you, too, honey bunny. Give me a hug.”
“Mama said be careful.” Suzy’s lip pouted out. “You got hurt.”
Eve pulled Suzy onto her lap and held her close. She breathed in the smell of baby shampoo and sugar. Having the little girl she loved so close was worth every ache and pain. “I did, but I’m okay. And no matter what, your hugs and kisses always make me feel better.”
“And flowers?” Suzy asked, wide eyes latching onto hers.
Eve smiled. “Yes. And flowers.”
