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“That’s why you called me. Together, we’ll support him until he’s all good again.”
“Thank you, Drake. You have no idea how much I appreciate this.”
“Anything for Chase. And... I can’t wait to meet you. Although he talked about you all the time. I kind of feel like I know you.”
“I can’t wait to meet you and Adria. I’ll see you soon.”
“I’ll call right back.”
Shelby hung up, quickly snuck back into the house, and walked toward the bathroom as Chase’s phone rang again. She stepped into the bathroom doorway just as Chase plucked Eliza out of the tub and wrapped a towel around her.
“Hey. It’s for you. Caller ID says Drake.”
Chase snatched the phone from her hand and swiped the screen. “Drake. Man, are you okay? How is Adria?” Chase listened to Drake.
She touched his arm. “I’ve got her,” she whispered, then picked up Eliza and took her into her bedroom.
“Dada. Books.”
“He’s on the phone with his friend. Mama will read books tonight, but he’ll come kiss you good-night.”
“Dada,” Eliza demanded, wriggling away as Shelby tried to dry her hair.
Shelby tried to hold on to her patience. “Let’s get dressed and brush your hair. Maybe he’ll be here by then.” Shelby didn’t think so, but she’d get Eliza ready for bed one step at a time.
Eliza cooperated and pulled her panties and kitten pajamas out of her bag. Shelby really needed to stock some clothes here for her. Luckily she’d packed the bag this morning after she’d showered at home before going to work. Too bad she didn’t bring anything for herself. And she should have, but she’d been in a hurry and running late.
And after her talk with Cyn today, she’d planned to stop at home, put on something more appealing than her scrub pants and work polo, and pack some other things.
Though the evening looked promising when she arrived at the ranch and kissed Chase hello, his mood had changed considerably since they got home, and he’d gone quiet on her.
Maybe tonight wasn’t a good night to stay.
She could take Eliza home, and they could try this again another night.
She’d helped Eliza put on her pj’s and attempted to run the brush through her hair, but it only got tangled as Eliza fidgeted and tried to go find her dad.
Shelby stopped and held Eliza by the shoulders. “Be still, please. Let me finish.”
“Dada.”
“He’s on the phone,” Shelby reminded her, then ran the brush through her hair as quickly as possible without pulling at the knots. “There. Now find the books I put in your bag.”
“Dada read.”
“I’ll start. Dada will be here soon.”
Eliza climbed up onto her bed, dug the three books Shelby packed out of her bag, and set them in her lap.
Shelby wished she’d remembered Eliza’s night-light.She’d have to keep the hall bathroom light on again if they stayed. She really wanted to talk to Chase and see where his head was at tonight. Maybe he wanted to be alone. A little peace and quiet after having Eliza with him all day. Maybe he just wasn’t feeling like having them here with him right now.
Chase filled the bedroom doorway, the phone still to his ear. “Thanks for calling, Drake. It means a lot. I’m so happy to hear that although Adria is grieving, she’s okay, and you two are together.”
“Dada,” Eliza called.
Chase held up his finger. “Yeah. Sure. We’ll talk soon.” Chase ended the call and sucked in a huge breath, then let it out and looked at Shelby. “They got the guy who drugged Juliana. Adria and Drake are together. Everything seems like it’s okay.”
“That’s good. Like you said, they’re grieving. Like you. In time, things will get easier.” She didn’t know what else to say.
