Page 70 of Before This Ends (Before)

“What are you going to do when he wants her back?”

“He won’t. He said he’s closing the chapter, which I’m guessing means that today was the last time I will probably ever see him,” she says without even a hint of sadness in her tone, and I relax slightly.

“What did you need to pick up from him?”

“A photo album.” She glances back over her shoulder, probably checking to see where Win is. “I…” She shakes her head. “I talked to my sister about the dream I’ve been having, and she suggested I look through the pictures I have of our parents. That maybe it would help to remember Mom when she was alive and happy.” Fuck, my hands ball into fists. “I went to my apartment when I got off work and searched through all my stuff.” Her arms fall to her sides. “I couldn’t find it, so I sent Eli a text. He told me that he came across it and had been meaning to message and get it back to me. When I went over there to grab it, his apartment was packed. He told me he’s moving, then asked if I wanted Dolly.”

“Come here.” I hold out my hand, and she drops her eyes to it before meeting my gaze once more.

“I’d rather not. I’m really annoyed with you right now.”

“I know.” I walk toward her. “I’m sorry.”

“Good,” she mumbles.

I wrap my arms around her and smile. “Where is the photo album?”

“In my car with all of Dolly’s stuff.”

“She’s as big as my hand. How much stuff could she have?”

“A lot.” She tips her head back to look up at me.

“After we eat, I’ll go down and get it all.” I touch my lips to hers.

“Why? I’ll just have to drag it all back down when I go home later.”

“You think Win is going to let that dog leave this apartment, now that it’s here? I’ll go down and get her stuff and,” I glance at the spot near the dresser where she’s been keeping her overnight duffle. “Your bag.”

“She’s not an ‘it.’ She’s a she. And I didn’t bring a bag.”

“Why not?”

“Because Winter is back, and?—”

“And…?” I cut her off.

“And… I don’t know.” She frowns. “I assumed you wouldn’t want me to stay over, now that she’s here and not downstairs with Hazel.”

“You assumed wrong.”

“Miles.” She rests her hands on my chest. “You haven’t had a full-night’s sleep in days and Winter is home.”

“And you think I’ll be able to sleep easy, knowing you’re all the way across town?” I shake my head. “Winter will be fine, you’re staying over.”

“Miles.”

“Emma,” I mock her exasperated tone.

“Can we eat dinner now?” Winter cuts in, and we both turn to where she’s standing by the door, still holding Dolly. “I’m starving.”

“Of course,” Emma tells her, then looks up at me. “I meant to send you a text, but things were a blur after school pick-up. We ordered pizza for dinner.”

“That sounds good.” I give her waist a squeeze, then look at Win. “Can I get a hug now?”

She doesn’t make a move to come to me, and her hold on Dolly tightens. “Does Emma have to give Dolly back?”

I glance at Emma and catch her rub her lips together before I focus back on Win. “No.” I sigh. “Dolly is staying.”

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