Chapter 11 Lindsey
LINDSEY
Aria, Skyler, and Bree all join me in the kitchen. They ply me with tea, cookies, and hugs.
“Give me your phone,” Skyler demands.
I already know there’s no point arguing. I pull my phone from my pocket and hand it over.
She rests it on her pregnant belly. “Okay, I’m putting in Aria’s, Bree’s, and my numbers. If you need anything, just let us know. And if you need help with Eli, I know Miller said he plays baseball—well, if you need rides or anything, we’ve got you.”
I nod when she hands it back. “Thank you.”
My gaze drifts to the door. Miller doesn’t come in.
So I guess I have to say it.
“Uh… actually, I don’t want anyone to know I’m here.
It’s only temporary. We’ll be going back to our apartment.
” My fingers tighten around my phone. “Miller probably didn’t mention it, but Eli’s grandparents are Jack and Mary Davenport.
They want custody, and I don’t want any of you caught in the crossfire. ”
Skyler just stares at me. “We’re not afraid of the Davenports.”
A breath slips out of me. “They’re not… good people. I know they do a lot for the community, but they made my sister’s life a living hell.”
Skyler hooks her arm through mine. “Lindsey, I’m not saying we think they’re good people. I’m saying we’re not afraid of them.” She smirks. “Have you met our husbands?”
The three of them laugh.
I shake my head, my chest tightening. “But you don’t even know me. I shouldn’t have brought this here. I need to go.”
Aria steps in front of me, hands settling on my shoulders. “Hey. It’s okay.”
I just stare at her.
Her voice softens. “We’ve got your back. It’s going to be okay.”
“But why?” My voice shakes. “You don’t know what they’re capable of. They will do anything to get Eli from me. Anything.”
Aria gently brushes my hair back. “Miller’s not going to let that happen.”
“Why?” The word comes out sharper than I mean. “Why would he take this on?”
The three women go still. A look passes between them—something unspoken.
Skyler just nods. “You need to trust Miller. He’ll handle it.”
“But why?”
She shrugs. “Because that’s who he is. When he cares about someone, he doesn’t let anything happen to them. And he cares about you and Eli.”
I want to argue. We went on one date months ago.
Before I can say it, Miller walks in with Eli and the others.
Eli comes straight to me, one hand in Miller’s, the other reaching for mine. He steps between us, holding both our hands like he needs us together.
Miller’s eyes flick over my face. “Everything okay?”
I nod. “Yeah. Your sisters have been plying me with tea and cookies.”
“Cookies?” Eli perks up.
Skyler grabs a box. “I brought all kinds. You’re going to be my official taste tester, okay?”
“What’s a taste tester?” Eli asks.
Miller pats his shoulder. “Someone who eats food and tells the baker what they think. Skyler’s always making cookies, cupcakes, brownies… you’ll be a big help.”
Skyler holds one out. “This is my mash cookie. Chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, caramel chips, a little salt on top. Wanna try it?”
Eli looks up at me.
I nod.
He takes a bite, and we all watch him chew. His eyes go wide. “Yum,” he says around a mouthful. “This is the best cookie I’ve ever had.”
Skyler lights up, throwing an arm around him. “I like this kid.”
He leans into her and shoves the rest into his mouth.
Miller’s hand settles at my back, warm and steady. I lean into him without thinking.
“Thank you,” he says to his family.
They brush it off, pulling him, and then Eli and me, into hugs like it’s nothing. As they leave, they remind me I have their numbers.
When the door closes, it’s just the three of us.
I turn to Miller. “We need to talk.”
He glances at Eli.
I rest a hand on Eli’s shoulder. “Hey, bud, your books are upstairs. Want to go read while Miller and I talk?”
Eli looks between us. Then at Miller. “Are you leaving?”
Miller crouches down in front of him. “You mean tonight?”
Eli shrugs. “I mean… anytime.”
Miller exhales. “I work a lot, but mostly from home. Sometimes I’ll leave, but I’ll always come back.”
My breath catches. Miller glances up at me, but I just shake my head.
Eli’s voice turns small. “What if… what if you’re not here?”
Miller’s expression softens. “Until I take care of things, you and Lindsey will be with me or Mike.”
“Miller—” I start.
He smiles at Eli. “Go grab your books. I want to see what you’re reading.”
Eli nods, then hugs me tightly around the waist. “I love you, Aunt Lindsey.”
I press a kiss to his head. “I love you too. We’ll be up soon.”
He runs off, and I almost call after him, but Miller’s gaze is already on me.
He gestures to the living room.
I sit on the couch; he takes the spot beside me.
“What was that about?” I ask. “You said he’s worried about his grandparents taking him. I never told him that.”
Miller exhales slowly. “They told him. Said awful things about his mom, about you. Told him they’d take him away.”
Something tightens in my chest. “I shouldn’t have called you.”
He flinches. Actually flinches.
“Why would you say that?”
I drag a hand through my hair. “Because I don’t think you or your family understand what I’ve brought to your door. The Davenports don’t stop. I should’ve just left instead of dragging all of you into this.”
“Hey.” His hand cups my cheek, steadying me. “None of this is your fault. And don’t say you shouldn’t have called me. I’m glad you did.”
“I said I’d stay and work for you, but maybe it’s better if we just go. I can run somewhere they won’t find us.”
“You’re not running.”
“But—”
His hand presses lightly against my thigh. “You’re not running. I’ve got a better idea.”
I squeeze my eyes shut. Now that I’ve had some sleep, everything feels more clear, and calling him feels wrong. Like I’m doing exactly what people expect. Using him.
“Miller… this was a mistake.”
He takes my hand, threading our fingers together. “I need you to trust me.”
“I do.” The answer comes fast. I throw up my free hand. “Do you really think I would’ve called you if I didn’t?”