Page 97 of Broken Destiny

The embrace came suddenly, his hold tightening around me as if he were trying to steady both of us at once.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered against my hair. “I’m such an idiot. I’m really sorry.”

I clung to him and hadn’t realized I was shivering until he held me. My heart had not stopped racing with fear until I felt his heartbeat against mine through his shirt. Only then was I finally able to breathe when I felt his breath brush against my hair. My body sank into his, surrendering to the warmth of his arms around me—it was the comfort I needed right then.

For me.

For our daughter.

The daughter he still didn't know was his.

“What happened?” Caleb asked quietly after a moment, still holding me. “How did this happen?”

“The children were playing,” I said, my voice shaking slightly. “I heard Geeta scream and ran into the kitchen. Lucas had been chasing Emma, and she slipped.”

“And then?”

“I grabbed her and rushed to the hospital.”

The image of blood gushing from my daughter’s head flashed violently in my mind. That sight had awakened memories of my foster mother’s death. It reminded me of Cole and the devastating day I lost him.

My breathing grew shallow and uneven. I felt myself slipping into the same helpless fear I had known before.

“Hey.”

Caleb’s arms loosened, and he gently pulled back. He placed his hands on my shoulders.

“Look at me.”

I couldn’t.

His hand slid upward, carefully lifting my chin.

I forced myself to meet his eyes.

“Emma’s fine now,” he said, his voice calm but commanding. “She’s safe. Breathe.”

“Yes... But it could have been worse,” I whispered. “A lot worse.”

“But it wasn’t,” he said, holding my face gently between his hands. “She’s fine, and she’s sleeping, just as you said. Don’t think about the worst-case scenario when it didn’t happen. You handled the situation quickly and well. Be proud of yourself.”

Slowly, my breathing steadied.

I was grateful her injury had not been serious. Grateful that my daughter—our daughter—was safe.Thank you, God, for looking after her.

Only then did I realize that he was still holding my face.

Embarrassment fluttered through me, and I lowered my eyes.

He released me almost immediately.

“You should have seen her,” I said softly, managing a small smile. “She asked if she could have ice cream afterward because she did not cry during the stitches. Such a brave little girl.”

A faint smile touched his lips.

Caleb brushed his thumb lightly across my cheek. “She is her mother’s daughter, after all.”

That one intimate gesture against my cheek sent warmth spreading through me before I could stop it. Memories I had spent years burying stirred painfully back to life beneath my skin. It was like a sealed box being opened up after being hidden away for years, only to find the contents still alive and waiting.