Chapter 45
CHAPTER 45
NORA
“ Y ou believe me, right?” I ask, trying my best to keep my lower lip from wobbling.
I know how out there it sounds.
I really do, but I also mean it with every ounce of my soul.
“Nora.” Atlas’s voice is softer than I’ve ever heard it, and perfectly neutral, giving absolutely nothing away.
For all I know, he thinks this is all some kind of messed up trauma response.
But I've never been more certain about anything in my life. Not ever.
When I first woke up, sure, I was disoriented. I didn't understand the enormity of what I’d witnessed, but as I regained consciousness, I also gained clarity, and there’s no convincing me that it was only a dream.
Because it was more.
So much more.
It was a glimpse into our future.
A future I'm desperate to protect.
“It was so real, Atlas,” I croak, clutching at my tender throat. There’s not a single part of me that doesn’t ache. From the tippy-top of my head, all the way down to my toes, I’m stiff and sore, like my body’s been put through a meat grinder.
But I grin and bear it as I force myself into a seated position. I need to look him in the eye… I need him to understand just how serious I am.
“Nora, whoa.” Atlas is up and at my side in a second, one hand at my back bracing me as I find a semi-comfortable position. “Go slow, Pip.”
I allow him to fuss over me for a minute, knowing it’s something he needs to reassure himself that I’m truly here and okay.
But my mind wanders as he fluffs my pillow and tucks the blankets around me, thinking of all the ways I can convince him to believe me.
My mama was never one to buy into this woo-woo kind of stuff, as she called it, but my dad—he always did. He said life was full of unexplained phenomena, and if we simply trusted our gut, we’d always end up where we’re meant to be.
He never once steered me wrong. I believe him wholeheartedly, and now I need Atlas to believe me.
“They were so perfect.” Tears fill my eyes, as I recount the details. But this time, they’re happy tears. “They had your eyes and your golden skin, but with my hair and a smattering of freckles across the bridges of their noses.”
He drags his fingertips over my cheek, swiping away the tears before taking my hand in his. “Tell me more, Pip.” The deep but gentle rumble of his voice soothes my frayed nerves. “Tell me everything.”
I send up a silent prayer to any deity that might be listening for him to believe me. I don't know why it's so important to me that he does, but it is. It really, truly is.
“The sun was setting, and we were cuddled up on the back steps, watching the kids play. James was pushing Lydie Grace on a tire swing.”
“What tree was it hanging from?” Atlas asks, his voice still neutral.
“You know the big one, to the left of the steps?” He nods and starts rubbing soothing circles over the back of my hand with his thumb. “That one, from the really big branch that points toward the house.”
“Always thought that tree would be perfect for a swing—or even a treehouse.”
“They were having so much fun. James was spinning Lydie Grace, and they were laughing and squealing and hollering.”
“How old were they?” he murmurs, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he gazes down at me with a small smile curling his lips.
“James was eight and Lydie Grace was five.” My lips tip up into a watery smile. “They were so perfect, Atlas. I told them how much I loved them, and it felt so right. So perfect and right.”
My shoulders curl inward when he doesn't say anything.
“I... I know how it sounds.” I laugh, but it's a flat, dull sound. I thought he believed me, but maybe he was just indulging me. “Never… never mind… it was just a –”
“I-believe-you.” The words explode out of him, all jumbled together into one long word rather than three.
“Really?” My heart swells in my chest, pressing against my ribs, as a sense of hope radiates within me, warming me from the inside out.
He huffs out a breath and then smiles down at me, with a look so tender it makes me melt. “Really.” He leans forward and presses the softest kiss to my bruised lips. “I love you, and I've always got your back.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, uncaring of the crack in my voice. I don’t know how I ended up lucky enough to have this man’s unconditional love, but I’ll spend the rest of my life not only basking in it, but loving him right back.
“There's something I've gotta know, though...”
“What's that?”
“Does our boy have a middle name?”
That was the absolute last question I expected, but also somehow the best.
“He does.” I clasp my hands together in my lap, grinning mischievously up at him.
Atlas leans forward, bracing his arms on the railings of my bed. “You gonna tell me, Pip?”
“Wilder.”
He whistles. “James Wilder—that’s gonna go straight to Ellis’s head.”
“What is?” Ellis asks, walking back into the room.
“Speak of the devil,” Atlas groans, and I giggle.
“Seriously.” He crosses his arms over his chest and pretends to glare. “One of y’all better tell me.”
Atlas leans back in his chair, crossing his ankle over his knee. “I think I’ll let you handle this one, Pip.”
“We were just talking about James’s middle name.”
“Riveting stuff.” Ellis drops back down into his chair. “You gonna tell me what it is or…”
“Well, if it’s okay with you, Wilder.”
Silence blankets the room—so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
“You… you’re naming your baby… after me?” he asks, thumping his fist against his chest.
“Hoping to,” I tell him honestly.
“Fuck yes!” he shouts, jumping up and literally clicking his heels together. “Best day ever.”
Atlas grunts, and Ellis has the good sense to tone down his celebration.
“I mean, worst day, too, getting kidnapped and whatnot, but I’m choosing to focus on the positive, okay?” He shoots a wink my way, and I can’t help but smile.
Because in a way, he’s right—it is a good day. Sure, I was taken and I’m pretty banged up, but knowing that Rand can never, ever hurt me or anyone else ever again? Best day ever.