Page 40 of A Daddy for Maddy

Maddy’s eyes started to shine as tears gathered. “If you hadn’t come, he would’ve killed me, I think.”

I swallowed hard, shutting my eyes for a second. It was a scenario I’d played over and over in my mind before I slept. What if Trent and I had gotten there too late?

There were always ‘what ifs’ in life. It all could have turned out so much worse. Whatever wins came my way, I gladly took them.

“I’ll always protect you, Maddy. That’s a promise.”

His mouth curved up in a sweet baby smile.

The door to the room opened and next thing we knew breakfast was served. They had brought two trays.

We happily ate cooling eggs, chewy toast with hard pats of butter, and little brown sausages. There were also fruit cups and orange juice boxes. We were set.

“I promise, I’ll take you out for a better breakfast later, okay?”

Maddy frowned. “Am I still going to your house?”

“Do you want to?”

“Yes, please. I’d feel safer.”

“You’re safe, baby. The bad men are locked up, now.”

“If you don’t want me to?—”

I interrupted. “That’s not what I meant. I want you with me. Of course, I do. Then I can take care of you while you heal.”

“I’m glad.” He smiled and sucked on his juice box until it made an empty noise.

By ten a.m., we were cleared to go. Paperwork for release took a long time. Plus, Maddy had to wait for the doctor to make his rounds.

A nurse wheeled Maddy outside in a wheelchair, as per hospital policy, and then Maddy, Kornie and I walked the rest of the way to my car. No one asked us for insurance. No one asked us to pay a dime.

Maddy had been worried about that. He was between medical insurance, not quite qualifying for state aid, and his job didn’t offer it to part-timers. I reassured him that Trent had taken care of everything. This was never his problem to solve.

In the car, Maddy piped up. “I wish I could see Ozzy again.”

“That can be arranged. We have a standing invitation to any of Trent’s homes. Ozzy said he wanted to see you again, too.”

“He did?”

“He sure did. You made quite an impression.”

“We talked a little. Before—well—before Griff showed up. We have a lot of things in common.”

“I’ll bet you do. We can definitely see both Trent and Ozzy again.”

When we got to my house, Maddy was impressed. It was pretty big. A two story on three acres.

“You live here?”

“Yep.”

“Alone?”

“Yep.”

“Wow. I didn’t know your job paid so well.”

---