Page 72 of Let Me Protect You

Elias parks his car in front of a two-story home in the middle of the country. Oak trees surround us. A white fence wraps around the entire building. The shutters are freshly painted black.

This is where I could have grown up. It’s so different from the small cottage Mom rented in the center of town.

We step outside his Honda. Elias immediately circles the car, coming to my side. My feet are frozen to the ground as I continue to take in the house. U.S Army and American flags fly proudly in the wind by the front door.

“Are you ready to go inside?” Elias asks, wrapping his arms around me.

I shake my head and bite my lower lip. Sully was always in my life especially after I started working for him at Cutesy’s. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to act around him now that I know he’s my father. “I don’t think I’m ready.”

Elias pulls away and grabs my hand, kissing it. The warmth from his lips on my skin makes me lean into him. “We can stand here until you’re ready.”

I take a deep breath. And another. I’ll never be ready now that I know the truth. “Let’s go. It’s like ripping off a Band-Aid, right?”

“If that’s what you want, then I support your decision.” He squeezes my hand gently. “If you want to leave and take more time to adjust, I support that, too.”

I smile. “How did I find the best man?”

He dips his head and kisses me. Then he says, “We’re both lucky. Because now I have you again.”

Holding his hand, I lead him to the big house. Having him here to support me means everything. We close the distance and walk up the front stairs. Before we can knock on the door, Sully opens it with a warm smile.

“I’m so happy you’re both here.”

I smile. “It’s better late than never, right?”

He chuckles and motions us inside. Life couldn’t get any better than this.

Chapter 37

Harmony

2 Months Later

The community center in downtown Granite Falls is finally ready for the fundraiser I set up for Serenity. No one knows who the cause is for—no one needs to know my sister’s personal business. Even she still doesn’t realize that I know about the scum that attacked her. But now that I’m in the right frame of mind and there’s no more threat, I can finally do something for her.

A night of dancing and fun with our neighbors is all we promised for a fifteen-dollar entry fee. The town also donated the cost of the rental fee, so every cent we receive will go straight to Serenity.

Elias steps up beside me and nuzzles my ear. “I think we have a few minutes before people come.”

I sink into him, almost about to give in, but Mr. and Mrs. Milte filter into the scarcely decorated room. Only a few bright pink streamers are placed strategically around, but I didn’t want to waste any money.

“Later,” I mumble back before heading over to greet our first visitors. “Thank you so much for coming.”

Mrs. Milte huffs. “I almost didn’t because you never went to our restaurant so we could properly thank you, but this is a fundraiser, and you know I’m on the committee for raising money.”

I ignore everything implied and say, “Thank you. Elias and I will go later this week.” I turn to my boyfriend—just thinking that still gives me flutters. “Won’t we?”

“Of course.” He tucks me against his side. “We’ve just been so busy.”

Vicki and Kami enter next with John and Sophie on their heels. Lana leads my sister and niece inside. After another hour, at least another hundred people show up. My heart nearly explodes at the community support.

I pick up the microphone left on the table by the speaker. “Could I please have everyone’s attention?” The voices slowly quiet down, and all of our guests look at me. “Thank you for coming. This is a fundraiser close to my heart and will help one of our own, and it means the world to me that anytime a community member needs help, you all show up. I also have a donation jar set up in case anyone wants to give extra. Now let’s party!”

Everyone cheers, and Abigail, our makeshift DJ for the night, turns up the music. Some of our neighbors dance while some stand around, talking and having a good time.

Elias twirls me onto the dance floor, and I laugh. Now, we can enjoy our time together without a looming threat. John snatches up Sophie and joins us. The four of us interlock arms, and we let loose to the music.

I search out Abigail. She stands near the speaker with her phone in hand. Once this song comes to an end, she looks down and picks a slow song. Winking, she gives me a thumbs-up with her free hand.