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“We’ll go in, and you can take a nap. Samantha and some of the Cromwells are inside, but I’m sure they won’t mind waiting a little longer.”

What?My heart flutters with love.

“They’ve been helping empty your house this past week. Everything from your bedroom is now in my house. Our house,” he amends. “Everything else, including furniture, has beenboxed, labelled, and moved to storage in the Cromwells’ trucking office. Christopher assures me that it’s safe there. We’ll sort through it when you’re recovered,” he informs me.

“Thank you,” I breathe.

Turning, I move my legs out of the car, biting my bottom lip when my shins brush Leo’s legs.

Strong hands tilt my head back up. He leans in, brushing his nose along mine and down my cheek.

“You’re right, I haven’t been touching you. It wasn’t because I didn’t want to. It was because I couldn’t.”

My chin wobbles.

“Shhh,” he soothes. “I couldn’t because I knew the minute that I did, I wouldn’t be able to stop. God, I need you.”

His words, his tone, and the look in his eyes capture my heart.

“You were struggling before, Shelby.”

Before the accident.

“I wanted to give you the time you needed. But this is your home. Right here with me and our girl.”

Love and grief choke me.

“We’ll talk about everything else later. I need you to get better first.”

I nod. I can do that.

“Will you lie with me for a bit?” I ask, climbing out of the Jag.

Leo makes a pain-filled sound, but I know by the look on his face that he won’t deny me.

Our steps are small and in sync as we cross the lawn. The small cheer that fills the house as we enter fills my heart.

“My baby,” my stepmother calls, pulling me into a tight hug.

“Hi.” I sink into her. I’ve missed her.

I’m passed off to Helen Cromwell.

“And my baby,” she whispers, the words just for the two of us.

“Thank you for coming.” I hug her tighter.

Soon, the two women who have been a mother to me envelop me together.

“Grrr.”

The little growl is accompanied by little hands wedging between our bodies, and then Riley squeezes her whole being into the centre of our trio.

“Hi, Momma.”

Curling at the waist, I hug her tight.

“Hi, baby.” I kiss her head.