Page 105 of Creed

“Honey, you have nothing to apologize for.”

“I was mean to you for a long time.”

“You were hurt. We all were.”

“I’m gonna do better.”

“You’re fine, sweetheart.” She reached over and gave his hand a squeeze. “Everything’s going to be okay.”

He nodded, but I could tell that he wasn’t so sure. After a minute, he let out a breath and said, “Does that mean I can go play my video game?”

“You definitely can.” Devin looked over to Chrissy and said, “And you can go hang out in your room. I’ll call if I need anything.”

In a blink, they’d given their hugs and were out the door, rushing back to their rooms. Devin’s mother came up behind me and placed her hand on my shoulder. “I wanted to thank you for looking after her and the kids. You really came through for us last night.”

“Don’t have to thank me. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

“I had my doubts about you. I’m sure you know that, and I’m sure you know why.” Her expression softened. “But my daughter loves you, and because of that, the kids will soon love you, too. And the same goes for me and her father. I just ask that you keep doing right by her.”

“I plan on it.” I gave her a wink. “I have a lot of wasted time to make up for, and I’m gonna make up for every second.”

“She’s going to need some rest.”

“I’ll make sure she gets it.”

“I’ll make some dinner or at least, go get you some groceries.”

“Thanks, but I’ve got it covered.”

She hesitated for a moment, then reached over and wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tight. “Call me if you need anything.”

“Will do,” I answered, hugging her back.

“I guess I’ll head back to the house.” She walked over to Devin and kissed her on top of the head. “If you need anything at all just call, and I’ll swing by tomorrow and check on you.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

She lingered for a moment longer, then gathered her things and slipped out the door. Devin stared at the door for a second before looking over to me with a smile. “Do you have any idea how hard that was for her?”

“What?”

“Leaving?” She giggled. “She just left you in charge of her most prized possessions, and that just doesn’t happen.”

“It’s my boyish good looks.”

“That and the fact that she trusts you, and that doesn’t come easy for her.”

“Doesn’t come easy for her daughter, either.”

“No, it doesn’t. But once it’s given, it changes everything. You don’t just get lots of hugs and kisses.” A mischievous smirk crossed her face as she reached out her hand and offered me the remote to the TV. “You get to pick the movie.”

“I don’t know. That’s a lot of pressure.”

“I think you can handle it.”

It seemed funny how the world could feel like it was falling apart, but one afternoon with Devin made it feel like none of it mattered. She was tucked under my arm, warm and safe, drifting in and out of sleep while we watched some old rom com on TV. She took her meds and a hot bath while I made dinner for her and the kids.

While I was at it, I checked in with Preacher and Shep to see if there was any news about Maddox or the investigation at theVault. But they didn’t tell me shit. They told me to focus on her, so that’s what I did. Because as much as I loved the club, this was where I wanted to be. Right here, with her, making sure she and the kids were okay.