“I’ve got you, Emma. I’m here.”
“Thank you for coming home.”
We sit for what feels like hours like this—his warmth and strength bringing me the comfort I so desperately need.
What would I do without him?
I don’t want to become dependent on him in case he does leave, but Caleb’s presence is everything in this moment.
“Tell me what happened.”
“I had a call from a social worker. There was an anonymous complaint.”
He brushes his lips on my forehead. “I bet there was.”
“She said she’d be here around one thirty.”
“Then I’m not going anywhere. I’ll face this with you. Okay?”
I nod and nestle in closer against him.
“It’ll be alright. I know it will. You’re an amazing mother.”
“I hope so.”
“I know so.” He leans his head on mine. “You steered them through a horrible, toxic situation, and they’re all sweet and caring just like you. They’re such good kids, Emma.”
“Sometimes I need to hear things like that.”
After lunch, I’m anxious again and when the knock on the door comes right on time, I meet Caleb’s gaze.
He winks at me.
The simple act calms my soul.
We’ve got this.
I approach the front door with trepidation. What has Dad done? But it’s too late now—whatever he’s said is out there, and I have to face it.
When I open the door, the woman on the step smiles. Her kind face soothes me a little, but I steel my spine and smile back.
“Emma? I’m Sophia.”
“Please, come in.”
I lead her into the living room where Caleb waits. He shoots me a wink and confidence rises inside me.
“This is Caleb. He’s the children’s stepfather.”
Sophia smiles and extends a hand for him to shake. Caleb steps up and nods.
“How about we take a seat?”
Relief floods my system as he raises a hand and indicates for Sophia to sit. We do have this. Together.
It’s a weird feeling.
For so long I was with someone who dictated and never supported.
