29. Chapter Twenty-Nine
The rain is really coming down. I’m glad Kelsie got back inside for the night before it let loose. My girl is scared. I can see it, but it will be good for her to make the trip to see her mother.
I drop my jacket over a chair before checking to make sure I have everything packed for my trip to Iowa tomorrow. I got Dan’s warning text, telling me to quit stalking his daughter, but he can fuck right off.
I’m giving her the space she needs and him the time he needs to wrap his head around the idea that his little girl is an adult. But that doesn’t change the fact she’s mine. I’ll watch over her until the end of my days.
Just as I’m getting ready to head to the shower, headlights slide across my trailer. I pull the curtains back. It’s fucking Dirk. I grab my piece, shoving it in the waistband of my jeans. Maybe Dan’s sending me a “live and in stereo” type of message.
I open the door before he knocks, finding not him but Jesse standing on my steps. Her wet hair hangs in her face, but I see the worry in her eyes.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, stepping out into the rain with her.
“Don’t make me regret this.” She jogs back to her husband’s truck, expecting me to follow her.
When she opens the passenger door, I see Kelsie curled up in a little ball beside Dirk. He and I exchange a look. It’s a warning. They’re not doing this for me. It’s for her.
“Little shadow,” I say quietly, reaching in the cab for her.
Her head darts up, her wild gaze clashing with mine. She jumps across the seat and into my arms. I hug her to me. God, it feels good to have her in my arms.
“What happened?” I ask.
She doesn’t answer but Jesse does. “Dan’s mom passed away this evening. We were going to wait to tell her until she got back from her trip tomorrow, but she overheard me on the phone.” Jesse cringes and runs her fingers across her forehead. “She ran out to the forest. She was looking for you.”
Kelsie is wrapped so tightly around me; I don’t know how I’m going to set her down. “Kelsie, baby, talk to me.”
My words only make her tighten her grip.
Dirk nods for Jesse to get in. “We’ll be back in the morning.”
They’re leaving her with me.“I’ll take care of her.”
He leans over his wife, pointing to Kelsie. “She has some scratches. Clean them up.”
I nod, backing away with her in my arms before they change their mind.
Dirk’s head drops. “I’m going to take the heat on this one, so don’t hold back. Do what you gotta do to bring her back to us. She’s come too far for any setbacks.”
Jesse closes her eyes, fighting back tears.
“I love her,” I tell them.
“Nine tomorrow morning,” she manages to grit out before closing her door.
Not waiting for them to pull away, I hurry into the trailer. I take Kelsie straight to the bathroom, turning the shower on. She’s shivering so hard; I can hear her teeth chattering. As soon as it’s warm, I step in, clothes and all.
She begins to cry, and I breathe a sigh of relief. She’s not lost. I press my mouth to the top of her head and continue to hold her as the water pours over us. I’ll stand here all night if that’s what it takes. I’m not letting go until she’s ready.
When the water runs cold, and I lean over to shut it off, she lets her feet fall to the ground. I keep my arms around her until she unlocks her hands from around my neck and pulls away from me. She wipes furiously at her eyes.
I stop her and run a finger along the nasty looking scratch on her face. She stands still as I inspect the rest of her. I find more scratches on her palms. I bring one to my face, pressing my lips to it.
My girl would crawl to the ends of the earth to reach me.
The realization warms my heart.
The problem is … she shouldn’t have to.