Page 42 of Miss Trust

“Keep it. It won’t be your last hospital visit, and maybe you’ll need it at some point. When we get to the house, you should take a nap.”

My gaze slid to his. I was already shaking my head at his bossiness. But he upped it.

“I mean it. If you don’t stay healthy, then what?”

“I’m fine.” I’d always operated on little sleep, and I didn’t need Mr. Bossy, looks-way-too-sexy-driving, to point it out.

“Mama is cooking cheeseburgers tonight.” Penny was oblivious to the tension in the car.

Mona spoke up from the back. “Do you need to run to the grocery store? I’d be happy to stay with Penny. Chance, you could drop us off and take Tory to the store.”

Chance seemed as startled by the suggestion as I was. He came up with an excuse first. “I have some business to attend to, unfortunately, so I won’t be staying after dropping you all off at the house.”

“It’s okay. I still have to make a list. But thank you, Mona.” I’d go later while Penny was napping.

Chance was true to his word, taking off shortly after dropping us off. Once inside, Penny happily engulfed herself in a cozy blanket to watch a Toy Story marathon. I expected she’d nod off before too long.

Mona came in and wordlessly stepped in to give me a hug. I didn’t grow up with a mother who was affectionate, but Mona’s hug felt like the kind a mother would give her grown daughter who’d spent the last four weeks in the hospital with her baby. Before I could stop it, the silent sobs began wracking my body. The events of the last month, the lack of control, the overwhelming fear hit me all at once as Mona simply stood there rubbing my back and not letting go.

Finally, I took a deep breath and stepped away, wiping my eyes.

“You’re an incredible mom, Tory. I hope you never doubt that.”

Only every day. “Thank you.”

“It’s so refreshing to see how much you love your daughter after being a nanny for many years for parents who preferred not to spend any actual time with their children.”

“You mean Chance?” I was too curious not to ask.

She sighed. “Chance and Reid’s mother was absent most of the time—unless it involved a photo op to show her friends later. Their father was busy working, and traveling. Even when they were both home, the kids were left on their own or with me. I believe it’s why Chance has always taken on the role of protector. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for his siblings. Although his methods are sometimes questionable, his intentions are always true.”

I swallowed hard. Over the last few weeks, I’d discovered for myself there was an unexpected soft side to Chance Maxwell.

Once I returned from the store, I said goodbye to Mona, and sat with Penelope while she fell asleep for a nap, stroking her head and watching her breathe. Finally, I got up and stepped into the shower. Not for the first time, I appreciated the fact I wouldn’t run out of hot water, there were no holes in the tile, and no cracked paint in the ceiling. My gratitude might not be something I showed Chance, but I definitely felt it regarding all the simple things I’d enjoyed since moving into this house.

After my shower, I took my time drying my hair before going into the kitchen to make dinner. Here was another place I took note of the differences from my last living situation. I had a working stove, a refrigerator stocked with food, a dishwasher. I even had money in the bank. Tears gathered in my eyes. Jesus. It had to be the release of all the adrenaline. God, what I wouldn’t give for a long swim until my muscles were burning. Or a rough surf in which to ride the waves. Restlessness was taking hold.

I tried to channel it into making dinner. Anything to battle the anxiety I felt otherwise.