Chapter Eight #3
Truth is, the thrumming, burning pain inside me has nothing to do with Marlee, and everything to do with my dad.
He was my best friend, and he died because he was working too damn hard doing a job I should have been at home doing.
Instead, I was thousands of miles away, fighting an uphill battle that’ll never be won.
That’s the guilt I carry every damn day. That’s the reason I struggle to wake up and find something to live for.
But mostly, that’s the reason I haven’t been home—and it’s killing me.
And it all started with a letter.
Frank’s nod is slow. “Understood.” He turns to Georgia. “I’ve already read through your extensive notes, but go ahead and continue with your assessment.”
“Um, of course,” she whispers, tucking a stray curl behind her ear.
No idea when it worked its way free from that slicked-back bun, but the softness suits her.
Not that I’m looking.
“As Mr. Archer stated, he and the deceased had no contact for the last decade. Despite that, the probate attorney has confirmed receipt of the letter of designation and his assistant faxed over a copy yesterday.” She blinks at me.
“Everything is legal and notarized. Kade is the designated guardian.”
She swallows hard, but my throat closes all together.
“At the time of the home visit, I conducted an inspection and found the residence to be unsuitable for a child, particularly one Aurora’s age. It was not only unclean but also unsafe—structurally and otherwise.” I inhale a shaky breath. “Mr. Archer was also intoxicated at the time.”
I already knew all this—hell, I live it—but hearing it laid out in that soft, detached tone… it lands like a series of slow, deliberate punches.
And every single one hits dead center.
“There’s also uncertainty regarding employment. Based on my records search, no current job has been documented.”
Frank scribbles something down. “Kade?”
I clear my throat. “I, uh… I work remotely for a private security company out of Texas. I take jobs all over the place providing protection for people who need it on a short-term basis. I take gigs when I want them. Just got back from one the day before—” I glance at Georgia and dip my chin. “Before you showed up.”
Just like Frank, she’s taking notes. Me? I’m trying not to sweat through my clothes and stink up the place.
“Do you have a number for me to call? I’ll need to verify.”
Leaning forward, I dig out my wallet, grab a card with Griff’s number on it, and hand it to her. The thought makes me ill, but I’ll have to call him after this and let him know what’s going on.
Frank nods slowly. “You think that work’ll continue should we proceed with guardianship?”
Proceed? Like it’s a done deal? My heart skips a few beats.
Holy shit.
“Don’t see how it can,” I say, raking a hand through my hair, my thoughts racing. “I’d have to quit.”
“And income?” she asks, tone cutting. “If you quit your job, how will you afford to care for a child—”
“I have money,” I interrupt, hackles high, heart rate higher.
“Despite my shitty house, I do know how to balance a checkbook, Ms. Walker. I spent over ten years in the Rangers. Saved every penny. Now I live in a studio apartment that costs less than most people’s weekly groceries.
” Her eyes narrow and my temper flares. “I could quit today and be set for years, so don’t worry your pretty little head about how I’ll provide for her.
You can be damn sure I take care of what’s mine. ”
The silence hangs thickly in the air between us.
Frank clears his throat, and leans back, fingers steepled over his chest. “So, let me ask you, son—do you want this? To be Aurora’s guardian?”
I open my mouth.
Then close it.
Because I have no fucking clue what I want.
Georgia shifts awkwardly, but gives me time to process. They both do.
“I didn’t ask for this,” I say slowly. “But I… I don’t think I can walk away.”
He arches a bushy brow, but he doesn't look all that shocked. Maybe satisfied, or mildly impressed. Minutes pass, but they stretch on, tense and thick, feeling like a hell of a lot longer.
When he finally speaks, even Georgia looks nervous.
“Kade, I knew your daddy most of my life,” he says softly, gutting me.
“Known you since you were a baby. You’ve been gone a long time, and you’ve seen horrors only few can even imagine, but if you want this, I have every faith that you can handle it.
” He releases a breath. “William is in you, Kade. You hear me? You are your father’s boy, and son, William Archer was the greatest man I ever had the pleasure of knowing. ”
I swallow so hard, it hurts, but he continues, barely letting me process.
“I just need you to understand that this is a serious responsibility. A child’s life will be in your hands. Can you rise to the challenge, or are you walking away?”
I don’t know what it is—my father’s spirit writhing in my soul, or the reminder that he still lives on in more people than just me—but it’s the push I need to do what my heart’s been begging me to do since this whole thing started.
“I’m in—” My voice cracks, my eyes burn, but I square my shoulders. “I want to do this.”
The man doesn’t even skip a beat, just nods and gives me a serious look.
“You have one month to secure suitable housing that is far away from Agnes Whittaker’s property. No drinking. No drugs—”
My jaw snaps open. “What? I don’t do drugs!”
Frank ignores me and turns to Georgia.
“Georgia, I understand you’re only with us temporarily?”
She jerks a nod, and my brows furrow. “I’ve been filling Ethel Sorrenson in on the progress.
She’s on medical leave, but should be back any day now.
” Her eyes flick to me, throat bobbing, before she glances away.
“After that, I’ll likely be moved to Serenity Falls and Ms. Sorrenson will take over where I’ve left off. ”
“Makes sense. I’ve known Director Finch a long time.
Know he likes to keep one or two good people per town—less red tape, more trust. It’s how we’ve always done things here in Summit.
We look after our own.” He sighs, smiling softly.
“Serenity’s got its own courthouse, so I won’t see you much, but I’ll be sure to let Finch know you’ve done a fine job here. ”
Her cheeks turn bright red, and she ducks her head. “Thank you, sir—I mean, Frank.”
Chuckling, he gives her another soft look, then turns to me. The smile drops, and I nearly scoff.
The fuckin’ man is taken with her, isn’t he? Christ, it’s my mom all over again.
“When we reconvene, I’ll make a formal ruling on guardianship. If it all works out, you’ll be able to file for adoption after that.”
“Adoption?” The room sways, and I run my fingers through my beard, reality setting in. “I can adopt her— permanently ?”
“If you don’t fuck this up,” he murmurs, brows high, smirk on his lips. “You have one month, Kade. Can you change everything you are for her?”
One month.
Thirty days.
Jesus, that’s no time at all.
I have to move. Start over. Clean up my act, my life. But, I have no choice. This is happening. No one—and nothing—matters more than the innocent little girl lying alone in a hospital right now.
Fuck, she’s probably terrified.
Inhaling deep, I let it out and meet his eyes.
“I’ll be ready.”
Frank stares at me for a beat, then smiles, big and wide. “Alright, son. Any questions?”
My gaze slides to Georgia, and I’m shocked to see her pretty green eyes filled with a sheen I sure as hell don’t expect. She clears her throat and gives me a soft nod that hits me right in the solar plexus.
Just like her laugh. Just like her wildfire and starburst freckles, it settles something inside me.
I push to my feet and turn to Frank.
“When can I—” I swallow past the lump growing in my throat. “My—Marlee’s daughter. I’d like to meet her.”