Page 70 of Surrender

Without much more than a cursory glance, he deposits Bennett in my arms. The solid weightof my youngest lightens the heaviness in my chest.Bree chatters away about a great place to bring the kids to see Santa while I tuck Bennett into hiscar seat, and I file the information away for something to do later.

Christmas shopping for the kids just got a whole lotmore complicated if Devon is hangingaround. What if Lucy sees him? What if he tries to hold Bennett? A cold shiver races up my spine like a bucket of ice water being poured over my head.

“Maybe we can plan somethingtogether,” I tell her with a tight smile.

I usher Lucy out into the cold. Before I can take a step out of the door, Jack wraps his fingers around the handle of Bennett’s car seat with a gentle, “Let me carry him,” and follows her outside.

Bree comes up beside me and nudges me with her shoulder. “Just accept his help.”

“What?” I turn my neck to catch her eye, but she’s watching her brother-in-law saunter down the driveway at a speed appropriate for Lucy’s little legs.

“You’re making him feel useful. I think sometimes he feels like he’s not doing enough because he’s not an integral part of the Sanctuary.” She crosses her arms and leans against the doorframe. “I don’t know how I’d take care of Charlotte if I didn’t have Corjan. Jack feels good helping you, and if it takes a bit of the load from you, it’s okay to let him.”

I fiddle with a button on my jacket. “You don’t think it’s sending a certain message?”

“God, no. He just wants to feel useful.”

“It is nice getting to eat with both hands again.”

Bree laughs. “Then enjoy it as long as you can. I’ll see you soon?”

“I’ll text you.”

With her parting observation replaying in my head, I hustle down the driveway to my car. Clouds of exhaust curl from the tailpipe, an indication it’s already warming up.

Lucy sings a song from some TV show in the back seat, but the drive to Jack’s is otherwise silent. I keep thinking about last night, this morning, and what Bree said.

The car in front of me slows as we approach Jack’s driveway. He pulls to the right side, leaving me room to drive up beside him. I shove the car in park, and he appears at my door, drawing it open.

“I’m going to leave you guys here. I’ll unlock the door for you, but I want you to lock up again behind me.”

I bite back further interrogation. He’s free to come and go as he pleases. “Okay.”

He turns fully to me, his eyes dropping to my mouth before slowly rising to my eyes. “I just have a few things to take care of. I’ll be back this afternoon.”

“No problem. You’ve done quite a lot this morning already.” A flush hits my cheeks as the memory of us in bed rushes to the forefront of my mind.

His eyes heat, and he smirks.

This time, I grab Bennett, and he helps Lucy out before walking us to the door. He waits until we’ve deposited our coats and shoes before he steps out with his hand on the doorknob.

“Need anything?”

“We’re all set.”

“Lock up,” he orders, pulling the door shut behind him.

I immediately step forward and twist both locks. The weight of this new situation settles firmly on my shoulders.

“Snack time!” Lucy cries and takes off down the hallway.

At least my kids are the perfect distraction.

18

Jack

Dim lights greet me as the garage door creaks open. Three fucking hours later than intended, I finally arrive back home.

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