39. Chapter 38
Chapter 38
Doug
C hase had a blast ordering for everyone. We apologized more than once to the couple behind us, grateful they understood. When I offered to pay, Beth refused saying it was the only way she’d be allowed to pay SSI for everything they’d done. I couldn’t argue with that; we both knew that as Chase’s godfather, John wouldn’t charge her.
“But you can help me carry all this stuff,” she added as she signed the receipt.
“Happy to.” I handed the cashier thirty bucks. “For the couple behind us.” It’s the least we can do . I thanked them again for their patience.
John and I carried the bags of assorted sundaes and the two half gallons Beth had chosen in case anyone didn’t like what Chase had picked for them. Beth had her hands full herding Chase, who was too busy eating his banana split, with extra hot fudge and whipped cream, to pay attention to where he was going.
Chase was done eating by the time we got to the office, so he insisted on carrying a bag in his hot fudge smeared hands.
I wasn’t surprised everyone, including Jones and Maxwell, was still there. Plus, Sammie and Eric had stopped by to offer what assistance they could, and stayed to celebrate after hearing Chase was safe.
“I got everyone their favorite ice cream!” Chase announced as he walked in.
Eyebrows around the room rose; it was unlikely Chase knew anyone’s favorite flavor let alone everyone’s.
Not that any of them would complain.
Chase stopped short when he spotted Agents Jones and Maxwell talking to Meg. “Are you new?” he asked, his head tilted to one side like a confused puppy.
“Hello, Chase. I’m Agent Jones.” Jones held out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Hello, Agent Jones.” Chase mimicked him. “It’s nice to meet you too. Do you work for my Uncle John?”
“I don’t. I work for the FBI. Agent Maxwell,” he pointed to her, “and I wanted to help him find you.”
Agent Maxwell held her hand out for Chase, who shook it.
“Chase, what do you say to someone who helps you?” Beth nudged him.
“Thank you.” He looked down at the bag, “I’m sorry I didn’t get you any ice cream.”
“It’s okay,” Maxwell answered.
“We have two half gallons: vanilla and chocolate. Help yourself,” I said over Chase’s head.
“Chase, why don’t you pass out the ice cream before it melts.” John encouraged him.
Chase talked to everyone as they ate their sundaes. He didn’t notice a few people swapping out, or Jamie giving his to Emily then getting a bowl of chocolate for himself. He was too busy telling them all about his rescue, visit to the hospital and police station, and how brave he’d been the entire time.
He told everyone who would listen, “I’m going to be a policeman and work at SSI and save people when I grow up.”
Before long, Chase’s energy started to wane, so I offered to drive them home. I expected Beth to argue, but she didn’t. Thank God for that .
It took another thirty minutes for her to thank everyone again, and say her goodbyes. While I waited, John asked if I was planning to stay the night with them.
“Yes, if she’ll let me.”
“Good. Let me know if you need anything.” He shook my hand and pulled me into a one- armed hug. “Take care of them.”
“Yes, sir.” I blinked away the sting of tears. I’d never questioned John’s trust in me on a professional level, but this was different. This was his godson and his wife’s best friend and his trust in me to protect them was overwhelming.
#
I boiled water for tea while Beth gave Chase a bath and put him to bed. I expected it to take a while, so I took out my phone and checked my emails while I waited. Beth was in a t-shirt and pajama shorts when she finally came back down.
“Chase got me soaking wet,” she explained with a shrug.
“Want some tea?” I asked.
“Please.”
“Chamomile?” It wasn’t hard to guess what she might want.
Beth nodded and reached for the cabinet.
“I got it.” I walked her to the couch. “Sit.”
I made two cups and brought them to the living room.
“Thank you.” She held the mug close to her nose and inhaled. “For everything. I know I didn’t say it enough, but I appreciate everything you’ve done the last few days.”
“You’re welcome.” I wanted to say more but now wasn’t the time to confess my love.
“I…” She trailed off, tears forming in her eyes.
“Come here.” I pulled her close and wrapped my arms around her, rubbing her back in slow strokes while she cried.
She’d cried a lot in the last two days. Tears of fear, of pain, of frustration. Even a few tears of relief. She’d been so focused on finding, then comforting Chase, she hadn’t released her pent-up emotions. It was time for her to let it all out.
Our tea was lukewarm by the time she stopped crying and pulled away. I offered to warm them up while she washed her face.
We drank in silence for a few minutes when I realized I hadn’t told her I was staying the night.
“Beth, I’m going to stay with you tonight.”
Her eyes opened wide as she processed my words.
“What? You-”
Fuck. That wasn’t what I’d meant.
“Not like that. I’ll sleep on the couch. I want to be here in case you need me.” Then I added, “If it’s okay with you?”
I should have started with that.
“Oh, okay,” she stared at her tea, “I thought…”
“I’d never do that to you. I just want to stay close by.” For me as much as for them.
“Thank you. I’ll get you a pillow and blanket.”
“No rush. Finish your tea.” I held my arm out in invitation, and she leaned into my side. She fit perfectly, like she was meant to be there. I couldn’t have kids of my own, but I could see a future with Beth and Chase, if they’d accept me, a broken man, into their lives.
Now isn’t the time to tell her, but it needs to be soon .
Beth fell asleep before finishing her tea. I felt bad waking her up, but she needed a good night’s rest, in her bed.
“Beth, honey, let’s get you to bed.”
She was only half awake as I carried her up to her bedroom and tucked her into bed. I kissed her on the forehead before going to check on Chase.
This is the life I want .