Page 57 of Unmasked

Her mother pulled away, already composing herself, then followed the doctor from the room. Everleigh stood there, frozen, staring off into space. She felt Knox’s steady presence right behind her, the slight brush of his body against hers, letting her know that he was still there. Part of her wished she could be there too, see him for herself, but she knew it was more important that her mother go to him.

Finally, she turned to Knox. Without a word, he pulled her back to him, wrapping her up tightly and tucking her head against his chest. Shifting his weight from foot to foot, he gently rocked her side to side for several minutes before she pulled away.

“Are you okay?” he asked quietly.

She wasn't honestly sure. “I don't know,” she admitted.

He framed her face with both big hands, his eyes serious. “I'm sorry,” he murmured.

Despite the tumultuous relationship he had had with her father and everything that happened in the past, she sensed the honesty in his words, and it brought tears to her eyes. Her chest hitched on a sob, and Knox slid his arms around her shoulders, pulling her in tight, tucking her against his broad chest as the tears slipped free. He held her tight, rocking her slightly back and forth as he whispered soothing noises next to her ear.

She felt shattered inside, like he was the only thing holding her together. She knew she needed to be strong for her mother, and she drew in a shuddering breath as she tried to fight the fear and worry spreading through her heart. Knox kissed her forehead, her temple, his hands wandering up and down her back, holding her securely. When she finally calmed, he tipped her face up to his. “We’ll get through this, one step at a time.”

She nodded, placing all of her trust in him. “Okay.”

Twenty minutes later, her mother returned to the room. She looked exhausted and reassured all at once. “The doctor says we can come back tomorrow during visiting hours. I guess we should…” She wrapped her arms around her waist, looking forlorn.

Knox cut in. “Let me drive you ladies home.”

“But our car…” Her mother trailed off when Knox gave a slight shake of his head.

“You've dealt with enough today.” His dark eyes filled with concern. “Please, I'd feel much better if you let me drive you home.”

Her mother nodded jerkily, looking smaller and more unsure than she had ever seen her before.

“I'll arrange for someone to pick up your vehicle later,” he said as he settled one hand on Everleigh's waist and offered his other arm for her mother to take. After a moment, she slipped her fingers around his elbow and allowed him to take control.

A strong, guiding presence, he led them toward the car where he held the passenger side door for her mother and waited for her to get in. Once she was settled, he took Everleigh's hand and led her around to his side and helped her into the backseat.

The drive home was painfully quiet and felt like it took forever, though it couldn’t have been more than a half hour. Relief filled Everleigh when her parents’ home came into view, immediately followed by regret and a sharp twinge of sadness. Her father should be there with them; he should be walking next to her mother. Instead, he was lying in a hospital bed, fighting for his life right now.

Once Knox had escorted them safely inside the house, he paused next to the door. “Do you want to come home, or would you rather be with your mom?”

Truthfully, Everleigh wanted to be with him, but she knew her mother needed her. “I…” Her voice broke, and she tried again. “I should be with her, for a little while at least.”

Knox nodded his understanding. “All right. I’ll let you two get settled, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Wait.” Everleigh grabbed for him, fisting her hand in the material of his shirt before he could leave. “Stay.”

His head tipped to one side, a question in his eyes, and she drew a deep breath. She knew exactly what she was asking and how hard it would be for him. But she wanted—needed—him there with her. “Please stay with me tonight… Here.”

A series of emotions flickered rapidly over his face, and he was silent for several seconds before responding. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.” She released his shirt and twined her fingers with his. “I’ll feel better with you here. I don’t want to be alone. Will you please stay?”

“Of course.” He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. “Whatever you need, sweetheart.”

Her mother had already disappeared, presumably heading to bed after a long and exhausting evening. Everleigh threw a smile at Letitia, who hovered near the kitchen. “Knox, this is Lettie.”

He inclined his head but never released her hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”

“Nice to finally meet you.” Lettie bobbed her head, a tiny smile curving her mouth.

Heat climbed up Everleigh's cheeks at her knowing look, and she cleared her throat. “Knox will be staying with us tonight, Lettie.” She briefly explained about her father’s incident, skimming over the darker details.

“I’m sorry to hear that, Miss Everleigh. If either of you need anything, please let me know.”

“Thank you. Could you please make sure the alarm is set?”