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Self-consciously, Mia shifted in her seat. “He’s a part of our family, we couldn’t do it any differently.”
“That’s the thing, you could. If it weren’t for you all, he wouldn’t be the Benjamin I know today, he wouldn’t bemyBenjamin. I don’t know what I’d do if I hadn’t met the man he is today.”
“It’s a good thing you did meet him, and you don’t have to worry about what-ifs. He’s your Benjamin, the one you love.” She smiled at me, albeit tiredly.
Her eyes became more serious. “It won’t be easy disclosing what happened today to him. This will open a door to a past we thought was long locked. If you don’t mind, I’ll tell him.”
“You don’t have to be afraid of me going away.” She started nibbling the inside of her lips. “I know Ben and I had some issues in the beginning, but I know my place now, both our places. We belong to each other, and I’m not going anywhere. I know you’re worried about his reaction to all this, and so am I. But I’m worried because of him, and not because of us as a couple. As a family. No matter how he reacts, I’m gonna be right by his side.”
Even though her eyes were still cautious, her shoulders relaxed. Despite Michael being a threat to her as hell—he made that abundantly clear—Mia’s first urges were to care for us. If I hadn’t realized it already, that would be the time I’d see she was someone I wanted in my corner.
For better or for worse, I knew she’d do everything to protect us. I just hoped it wouldn’t be for worse.
“You’re right, I’m sorry.” She shook her head. “I didn’t mean to overstep.”
“You didn’t,” I reassured her. “You’re caring for us, and I’m grateful for that. But we’re in a better place.” As she contemplated what I said, I added, “That being said, I think you should be the one to tell him.”
“What?” She startled and glanced at me. “But you just said—”
“I know. I just meant there’s no need for you to fight our battles for us. You’ve been carrying our burden for a long time, and it’s time for you to rest a little. But this situation...you know about it more than I do. You were there when everything happened, you were there when he needed you, and as much as I want to understand it, only you can convey what this truly means for him and his demons. Yours as well.”
“Tomorrow, we rest,” she whispered, and I didn’t understand.
I rubbed my belly, getting a light relief knowing my baby was still safe. “This must not be easy for you.”
She tightened her small hands on the steering wheel, then took a deep breath and ignored my comment. “I’ll talk to him. I’d like for you to be around, though. And Zach.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
After we pulled over to her house, she turned off the engine, and with one hand on the handbrake and the other draped over the steering wheel, she took a deep breath.
“Are you afraid?” I asked.
“About his reaction? We can deal with it.” I liked that she said “we” instead of “I.” But that wasn’t what I meant.
“About this Michael situation. Are you afraid?”
Shifting her head, she looked resolutely into my eyes. “We won’t let anything happen to you or the Little Bean.”
“I’m afraid of what might happen to Ben. I don’t trust that man, and it was clear how intent he was on destroying us.” My voice was shaking as much as I was.
Mia turned fully to me and took my hands in her small ones. “I give you my word that nothing will happen to Benny. I’m making myself personally responsible for this. I won’t let anything touch your family. I guarantee you that no one will harm you, Benny, or our Little Bean.”
What about her? Would someone make sure Mia didn’t get hurt?
Before I could ask her, she pushed her door open and got out of the car. She opened my door and helped me climb out as well. I wasn’t in that stage of the pregnancy yet, but I appreciated her support.
We entered through the front door, and I heard the distant sound of the television from the other room. It was on, but the volume was low. It was just white noise, while Zach and Ben talked animatedly about something in the living room. My heart was saddened, knowing we were about to disrupt that peaceful moment.
When Ben saw me, his eyes lit up, and his lips stretched into a full, constantly mischievous grin. He lazily headed my way, in all his sexy glory, to greet me. “Hey, love.”
“Hi, sweetie,” Mia responded before I could answer, making me giggle. He smiled at her before giving me a deep kiss. It was brief but intense, with his tongue teasing mine seductively. When he pulled back a little, he nibbled the corner of my lips, making me shiver.
“Hi, babe.” His eyes turned bright at my term of endearment.
Then, to my delight, he bent down and kissed my belly over my clothes. “Hey, Little Bean.”
Still in a haze after his welcoming kiss, I looked up to see Mia laying a kiss on Zach’s cheek, right before pouring her love on her furry companion. Hugo’s butt wiggled so much, his whole body shook at seeing his momma.
