Eli looks up at me.
I nod.
He takes a bite, and we all watch him chew. His eyes go wide. “Yum,” he says around a mouthful. “This is the best cookie I’ve ever had.”
Skyler lights up, throwing an arm around him. “I like this kid.”
He leans into her and shoves the rest into his mouth.
Miller’s hand settles at my back, warm and steady. I lean into him without thinking.
“Thank you,” he says to his family.
They brush it off, pulling him, and then Eli and me, into hugs like it’s nothing. As they leave, they remind me I have their numbers.
When the door closes, it’s just the three of us.
I turn to Miller. “We need to talk.”
He glances at Eli.
I rest a hand on Eli’s shoulder. “Hey, bud, your books are upstairs. Want to go read while Miller and I talk?”
Eli looks between us. Then at Miller. “Are you leaving?”
Miller crouches down in front of him. “You mean tonight?”
Eli shrugs. “I mean… anytime.”
Miller exhales. “I work a lot, but mostly from home. Sometimes I’ll leave, but I’ll always come back.”
My breath catches. Miller glances up at me, but I just shake my head.
Eli’s voice turns small. “What if… what if you’re not here?”
Miller’s expression softens. “Until I take care of things, you and Lindsey will be with me or Mike.”
“Miller—” I start.
He smiles at Eli. “Go grab your books. I want to see what you’re reading.”
Eli nods, then hugs me tightly around the waist. “I love you, Aunt Lindsey.”
I press a kiss to his head. “I love you too. We’ll be up soon.”
He runs off, and I almost call after him, but Miller’s gaze is already on me.
He gestures to the living room.
I sit on the couch; he takes the spot beside me.
“What was that about?” I ask. “You said he’s worried about his grandparents taking him. I never toldhim that.”
Miller exhales slowly. “They told him. Said awful things about his mom, about you. Told him they’d take him away.”
Something tightens in my chest. “I shouldn’t have called you.”
He flinches. Actually flinches.
