“Why would you say that?”
I drag a hand through my hair. “Because I don’t think you or your family understand what I’ve brought to your door. The Davenports don’t stop. I should’ve just left instead of dragging all of you into this.”
“Hey.” His hand cups my cheek, steadying me. “None of this is your fault. And don’t say you shouldn’t have called me. I’m glad you did.”
“I said I’d stay and work for you, but maybe it’s better if we just go. I can run somewhere they won’t find us.”
“You’re not running.”
“But—”
His hand presses lightly against my thigh. “You’re not running. I’ve got a better idea.”
I squeeze my eyes shut. Now that I’ve had some sleep, everything feels more clear, and calling him feels wrong. Like I’m doing exactly what people expect. Using him.
“Miller… this was a mistake.”
He takes my hand, threading our fingers together. “I need you to trust me.”
“I do.” The answer comes fast. I throw up my free hand. “Do you really think I would’ve called you if I didn’t?”
CHAPTER 12
MILLER
I get straight to the point. “Logan and Zach showed me everything they found on the Davenports.”
Her eyes widen, and she leans back like she’s been hit in the chest. “You’re not going to help me, are you?”
I grab her hand and hold it. “Stop. Of course I’m going to help you, but I don’t know if you’re going to like how I’m going to do it.”
She hesitates. “What do you mean?”
I lift my chin. “They have filed with the court that you are unfit. You don’t have a paying job. You are not able to provide care for him since you work odd hours. They say you leave him home alone. You?—”
She cuts me off. “Are you kidding me right now? I would never just leave him at home by himself. He’s seven.”
I nod and try to reassure her. “I know you wouldn’t, but the Davenports are good at twisting the truth.”
She groans. “What am I going to do?”
I wrap both my hands around hers. “From this point forward, it’s we. What are we going to do? I’m in this with you, Lindsey, and it will be over my dead body that I let someone take Eli from us.”
Her eyes lift, and she’s hopeful. I can see it shining in her face. “You don’t know how much that means to me that you say that, but they’re evil, Miller. I should have just run.”
She tries to pull from my hold, but I don’t let her go.
“Listen to me,” I say, softer this time. “The court looks at stability. Where you live, who you have in your corner, what kind of life you can offer him.” I swallow. “Stay with me. Let me be part of that. We’ll face this together.”
I expect her to pull away, but I’m surprised when she leans towardme. “Miller…”
I exhale slowly. “Look, I’m not going to lie to you. Being here with me strengthens your case. They want to see consistency, support… a real home.”
My grip on her hands tightens just slightly. “But this isn’t me stepping in out of nowhere,” I add, quieter now. “I’ve been here. Waiting. You just never needed me before.”
She asks quietly, “So this is just an arrangement… for the courts?”
I blink. I want to tell her that I’ve wanted this since the first day I met her, but she doesn’t need any pressure right now. She’s been through so much these last few days, and I can’t add to it. But I also can’t lie to her. “I want us to be together, but I know you are not in any place to think of anything but Eli and winning this battle.” I swallow. “So for now… to everyone else, we’re together. And I’ll be whatever you need me to be until you get through this.”
