She stretched up on her toes, pressing a gentle kiss to my lips, and then she and Krystal walked into the trees, leaving Gavin and me alone on the porch.
For a long moment, we stood there, the weight of what lay ahead hanging heavy between us. Then, with a sigh, I turned and headed back inside, steeling myself for the task to come.
Chapter 32
Rissa
I pulledKrystal into a fierce hug as soon as we reached Nathan's porch. She clung to me, her body trembling. We stood like that for several minutes, just holding each other. Finally, Krystal stepped back, taking a deep breath. A steely resolve settled over her features.
"It's going to take me a while to get over this," she said quietly. "But I will. My father, he didn't mean for any of this to happen. And in the end, he paid the ultimate price for his mistake."
I nodded solemnly. "I know. I'm so sorry you're going through this."
Krystal shook her head as if physically shaking offthe heavy emotions. "Let's head inside. I need to get the kids."
We walked into the living room where Elle, Bryce, and Ula were sprawled on the couch, looking exhausted but relieved. Krystal clapped her hands together.
"All right, you two, go pack your bags. We're going to spend the night at our place."
Elle frowned. "Why? I thought we were staying here tonight."
"Yeah, I don't wanna go," Bryce whined, crossing his arms. "We're fine here."
Krystal gave them a pointed look. "It's safe now, so we can go home. Besides, Nathan and Rissa are going to need some privacy."
My face heated at her implication. I avoided looking at the kids, focusing intently on a loose thread on my shirt.
Ula, bless her, seemed to sense the building awkwardness. "I should get going too," she said, standing up. "The others will need help dealing with Caleb at the packhouse."
She gave me a quick hug goodbye before heading out the door. Krystal herded Elle and Bryce toward the bedrooms to gather their things.
I sat heavily on the couch, my mind racing. Nathan was out there right now, doing something unthinkable. Something that would scar his soul. And here I was, waiting in the safety of his home, utterly useless.
I wished I could take his pain away, absolve him of this burden. But all I could do was be here when he returned, to try to hold him together when the weight of it all came crashing down.
I just prayed he would let me.
The kids emerged from the bedrooms, overnight bags slung over their shoulders. Bryce sang loudly as he headed for the door. "Rissa and Nathan, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!"
"Oh my geez stop." I rolled my eyes, feigning exasperation to hide my embarrassment.
Elle smirked at me knowingly. "Riiiight. 'Privacy.' Got it."
"Okay, out!" Krystal shooed them through the door, shaking her head. Over her shoulder, she mouthed "Good luck" before pulling it shut behind her.
And then, silence. The house was too big, too empty without the kids filling every corner. I perched on the edge of the sofa, hands clasped tightly, staring at the front door. Waiting.
Minutes crawled by. Then hours. I paced, I tidied up, I channel surfed. Anything to keep my spiraling thoughts at bay. What was happening out there? Was it over? Was he okay?
Exhaustion finally pulled me under, and I drifted off, curled up on the couch, one hand stretched towards the door as if I could summon him home by sheer force of will.
The soft brush of fingers against my cheek startled me awake.
I blinked up at Nathan's face hovering over me. He looked wrecked, like he'd aged a thousand years. His hair was damp, and a faint scent of soap clung to him. He must have showered at the pack house after…after.
Without a word, I pulled him down beside me. He leaned into me heavily, his face pressing into my neck. I ran my fingers through his hair, my heart aching forhim.
"I'm so sorry," I whispered. "I'm here. I've got you."
