Page 73 of Your Last First Kiss

I’m already on my feet, anxious to get to Penny’s house, when he stops me.

“I believe in you, Dillon. But this is a major life change that doesn’t just affect you. It affects Penny, her kids, and everyone in town. I know you want to run off and be that girl’s hero, but don’t. Go to the city. Take the time to really think about what this means, and then, if you still want it all, come find me.”

“But, Remy, I have to see Penny before I leave.”

“Call her. Take the time to think. Make sure it isn’t only high emotions that are propelling you. Take the time, Dillon.”

“I hate leaving without seeing her,” I say.

“If you come back, you’ll never have to leave her again.”

“I’m coming back. There’s no doubt about that.”

Remy smiles. Pulling a real smile from this old man feeds my soul and makes me want to do it again. “If that’s so,” he says clearing his throat and adopting his signature grumpy tone. “The faster you leave, the faster you can come back.”

This time when I reach for the door, he doesn’t stop me. One step after another, I race to grab hold of my future.

CHAPTER23

PENNY

Miller says something, but I’m not paying enough attention to comprehend his words. We’re all piled in my family room, waiting for the call from the sheriff’s office to pick up Dillon. He’s been gone for hours.

Maybe they released him, and he’s already halfway back to the city. I wouldn’t blame him for that, but I would have at least liked to thank him.

“Penny?” Miller says, obviously not for the first time, and I realize I’ve only been half listening.

“I’m sorry,” I say with a shrug.

“Did you hear what I said?”

I shake my head and peek at the kids. Mari is asleep upstairs in my room, and Kai is resting in his, but the other four are across the room playing, even if they’re a bit subdued. Kai ended up with three stitches and enough anger to light the entire state. Landon hasn’t said anything since we got back from the hospital. Gage, Izzy, and Lia have been abnormally quiet, but they seem to be bouncing back better than the older two.

“I said, Eddy is getting more dangerous. He’s gotten progressively worse over the last few months, but now it’s scary. He could have killed them if he got them in the car today.”

My vision tunnels as my greatest fear flashes before my eyes. Right now, I have no protection for them. He’s their father. And I have zero rights when it comes to the girls. They’re not mine.

“I don’t know what to do.” I choke back a sob and turn my head to hide my expression from the kids.

“You do know, Penny. You just have to do it. It won’t be pretty, and Eddy will be pissed, but you have to get full custody now. He can’t have access to them unless he gets well.”

We’ve been barreling toward this truth for about a year now. But in the last few months, something has changed. It’s time to accept that the Eddy I once knew is no longer there. I don’t know the monster he’s become, and it’s my job to protect my family.

“I know.” I blow out a deep breath. “I was hoping I could save a little more for a lawyer before I called, but you’re right. It’s time.”

Knock. Knock.

My eyes flash to Miller’s. “Is that Dillon?” My voice is fragile as hope consumes me.

Miller shakes his head. “Lenny said he’d call when he can release him.” He stands and walks the few steps to my front door.

Maybe I’m still in shock because it didn’t even occur to me to answer my own door.

“Came to get the kiddos,” Remy’s throaty voice calls out. The sound of three hard claps tells me they’re hugging. Remy always gives three rough pats when he’s ready to be done with a hug.

“Thanks, Rem,” Miller says. “Did you hear anything?”

Remy tries to lower his voice, but his hearing isn’t what it used to be so a whisper to him is loud chatter for everyone else. “Eddy’s in it this time. Child endangerment. Abuse. That’s some shit.”