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“Your wife isn’t with her?”
“I’m not married.” I smile, motioning to my ring finger.
Not yet, anyway.
“Say no more.” He waves me off. “I have a sister. She’s a single parent and the same with her kids.”
“Thanks for coming out. It was real nice of you. I think we’ll head out tonight. I don’t really fancy staying in town, given what’s happened. You understand.”
“Of course.” He nods. “I hope this doesn’t put you off returning to Cromwell Town.”
“Hmm,” I hum with a noncommittal shrug.
“Well, I can’t really blame you. Thinking of leaving myself after the past few years.” He sighs tiredly. His eyes bulge at his own words.
“I didn’t hear anything.” I wave away, mimicking his own actions.
He chuckles, shaking a pointed finger at me.
“You make sure to come through the exit that leads straight to the I-90 on the west side of town, a few miles past Duke’s station. I’ll make sure the boys don’t search you. Get you and that little girl of yours on your way.”
“I appreciate that. Thank you, Sheriff,” I say, trying not to show my delight. I wave, then close the door and lock it.
The girls must have heard the door because they join me in the living room.
“Can we play another game before bed?” Mary asks.
“Not tonight, Piglet. But you do get to stay up late and then sleep in Daddy’s bed tonight. Go pick another film,” I encourage.
I watch Mary sit in front of our DVD collection. When she’s fully focused, I turn to Lulu. “We’re heading out. No, not a word,” I rush when she opens her mouth. I’m not arguing because I’m not asking. Lulu is coming with us. “You will settle on the sofa and watch Mary while I pack up everything outside.”
Lulu nods. She twists her lips but remains silent.
My large hands frame her face. “You’re ours now.” I kiss her, my lips staying on hers until she responds. “Mary doesn’t like to sleep while I drive, so you might have to stay in our room with her tonight.”
The little girl in question pushes her way between us. “I picked one.”
“Well, we watchedBabe, so which one have you chosen?”
“The Little Mermaid.” She grins. I mouth the words to Lulu, and something shifts in my chest when she laughs.
“I’ve never seen it,” she tells Mary, and my baby girl gasps in horror.
“Oh, you’re going to regret saying that.”
I help settle them on the sofa, collecting and spreading a blanket over them and steal the popcorn bowls away as I leave.
“I wanted more.”
“Not tonight, Piglet. You’re going to be up late. Snuggle with Lulu and watch the film.”
She doesn’t argue anymore and instead leans into Lulu’s side.
“Stay inside,” I order Lulu. “That door doesn’t open.” I point.
She blinks up at me.
I lean down, my hands on the back of the sofa, my arms bracketing her in, and whisper against her lips, “Say you understand.”
