Page 90 of Obsession (Temptation 4)

Julia

A warmth filled me as I sat at the island in Lachlan’s kitchen Tuesday morning while Imogene and Lachlan made cookies…at Imogene’s insistence.

Most men in his shoes probably would have said they were too busy, especially considering he was scheduled to pitch tonight.

But Lachlan didn’t.

He happily volunteered to spend time with Imogene, the sound of their laughter warming my heart, especially now that she was finally back home where she belonged.

Imogene’s cardiologist wanted to keep her in the hospital overnight for observation, just to be on the safe side. While I initially insisted on staying with her, Lachlan ordered me to go home and sleep, offering to stay with Imogene.

And he didn’t leave her side all night.

Just like a real father.

And that was when it hit me.

Imogene may not have been his biological child, but over the past few months, Lachlan had become like a father to her. Had become family. Our family may have been a bit unconventional, but that didn’t matter. All that did was the love we shared.

And there was no doubt in my mind. Lachlan’s love was true. His unwavering support in the final minutes of Nick’s life solidified that.

“Can we go to the game tonight?” Imogene asked as she stuffed a cookie into her mouth, eyes hopeful.

I could tell she was itching for life to get back to normal.

While her doctors cleared her to return to school and resume normal activity, I chose to keep her home one more day, selfishly wanting a little more time with her.

Time I’d hoped to have yesterday.

Instead, Lachlan’s house was filled with well-wishers and friends from Imogene’s school, all who were grateful and relieved she was safe…including Roman, who’d been an absolute wreck since she went missing. From the second he got here yesterday afternoon, he’d barely taken his eyes off her, as if fearing she might disappear again.

I knew that feeling all too well.

But now we were safe. No harm would come to Imogene or me because of Nick again.

It didn’t mean we could forget everything. The mind was a funny thing. I knew from experience sometimes the psychological trauma was more harmful than physical wounds. But we’d get through it.

Together.

“Of course, sweetie. Lachlan’s pitching. It’s finally time we went to a game.”

He met my gaze from across the island as I sipped on my coffee. “I couldn’t agree more.”

He was about to return his attention to the batter when the doorbell rang.

“Expecting anyone?” I asked Imogene, considering the flood of visitors from yesterday afternoon, her room filled with flowers, chocolates, stuffed animals.

“It’s morning. Everyone’s in school.”

“I’ll go check,” Nikko offered, standing from the couch and making his way toward the front door.

Now that Nick no longer posed a threat, he’d debated heading back to Hawaii yesterday, then decided to stay for the playoffs. At least that was what he said. But I think he wanted answers.

Hell, we all did.

We’d hoped to hear something yesterday, especially after they raided Ethan’s apartment and found hundreds of journals, along with dozens of keepsake boxes, containing evidence of his stalking, rapes, and murders.

Just like the ones Nick kept.