She rests it on her pregnant belly. “Okay, I’m putting in Aria’s, Bree’s, and my numbers. If you need anything, just let us know. And if you need help with Eli, I know Miller said he plays baseball—well, if you need rides or anything, we’ve got you.”
I nod when she hands it back. “Thank you.”
My gaze drifts to the door. Miller doesn’t come in.
So I guess I have to say it.
“Uh… actually, I don’t want anyone to know I’m here. It’s only temporary. We’ll be going back to our apartment.” My fingers tighten around my phone. “Miller probably didn’t mention it, but Eli’s grandparents are Jack and Mary Davenport. They want custody, and I don’t want any of you caught in the crossfire.”
Skyler just stares at me. “We’re not afraid of the Davenports.”
A breath slips out of me. “They’re not… good people. I know they do a lot for the community, but they made my sister’s life a living hell.”
Skyler hooks her arm through mine. “Lindsey, I’m not saying we think they’re good people. I’m saying we’re not afraid of them.” She smirks. “Have you met our husbands?”
The three of them laugh.
I shake my head, my chest tightening. “But you don’t even know me. I shouldn’t have brought this here. I need to go.”
Aria steps in front of me, hands settling on my shoulders. “Hey. It’s okay.”
I juststare at her.
Her voice softens. “We’ve got your back. It’s going to be okay.”
“But why?” My voice shakes. “You don’t know what they’re capable of. They will do anything to get Eli from me. Anything.”
Aria gently brushes my hair back. “Miller’s not going to let that happen.”
“Why?” The word comes out sharper than I mean. “Why would he take this on?”
The three women go still. A look passes between them—something unspoken.
Skyler just nods. “You need to trust Miller. He’ll handle it.”
“But why?”
She shrugs. “Because that’s who he is. When he cares about someone, he doesn’t let anything happen to them. And he cares about you and Eli.”
I want to argue. We went on one date months ago.
Before I can say it, Miller walks in with Eli and the others.
Eli comes straight to me, one hand in Miller’s, theother reaching for mine. He steps between us, holding both our hands like he needs us together.
Miller’s eyes flick over my face. “Everything okay?”
I nod. “Yeah. Your sisters have been plying me with tea and cookies.”
“Cookies?” Eli perks up.
Skyler grabs a box. “I brought all kinds. You’re going to be my official taste tester, okay?”
“What’s a taste tester?” Eli asks.
Miller pats his shoulder. “Someone who eats food and tells the baker what they think. Skyler’s always making cookies, cupcakes, brownies… you’ll be a big help.”
Skyler holds one out. “This is my mash cookie. Chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, caramel chips, a little salt on top. Wanna try it?”
