Sandra leaves. Jax and I sit there in silence.
“Thank you,” I say quietly. “For doing this.”
He just looks at me, and my insides melt. I want to kiss him, but I stop myself.
A moment later, the door opens, and Zinnia walks in holding a backpack.
She sees me and freezes.
“Lily?”
I stand up, my heart dropping. “Zinni.”
She gasps, “What are you doing here?”
I smile, tears springing to my eyes. “I’m taking you home.”
Her face crumples. She runs to me, and I catch her with my good arm, holding her tight.
“I thought you died,” she sobs into my shirt.
“Never. I’m not dying anytime soon.”
She cries, “I was so scared.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
She pulls back and sees Jax. “You’re the hockey player.”
“Hi, Zinnia,” Jax says. His voice is softer than I’ve heard it in days.
Zinnia wipes her face and turns to me, “He’s the one who broke in and stopped Dad from strangling you.”
My face heats at the thought. “Zinni—”
She walks over and hugs him. He’s surprised at first, glancing at me, and then he hugs her back. I let out a small whimper, seeing her hug him. I wipe my cheeks.
“Thank you,” she mutters into his shirt.
“You’re welcome, kid,” he says. His water-glazed eyes meet mine, and my heart cracks into two.
We sign the final papers. Sandra gives instructions about check-ins and the hearing in two weeks.
Then we’re walking out with Zinnia between us. She’s holding my hand, and I never want to let her go.
Jax opens the back door of his car, and Zinnia climbs in.
The drive home is different. Zinnia talks nonstop. About the foster home. About how happy she is to see me.
Jax actually responds. His mood has lightened completely. For a minute, I may have forgotten that he’s upset with me.
It’s confusing. Painful. Hopeful.
All at once.
When we pull into the driveway, Callum and Zephyr are waiting on the porch.
Zinnia’s eyes widen. “I remember them, too.”
