Page 158 of Hold Me Until Morning

Anger screamed, running hot through my veins. Still, I managed a semblance of composure, though the words were rough. “That’s quite the accusation to make.”

He stepped forward so he completely blocked the sun. Placing me in his shadow. “If it fits.”

“You don’t know anything about me.” I couldn’t help but spit it.

“Maybe not everything, Cody Cooper, but you know I know the one thing that counts. You aren’t good enough for my daughter. Not then, and sure as hell not now.”

He didn’t give me a chance to respond. He turned his back and stalked down the walkway in the direction of the stables.

I grabbed the shovel and rammed it into the dirt, gritting my teeth, barely able to breathe.

I might hate him for it, but I knew every word he spoke was God’s honest truth.

THIRTY-FIVE

HAILEY

“Mommy, Mommy, Mommy! You have to wake it up right now! Today is going to be the very best day of my whole entire life, and you have to get up so we can get ready!”

I peeled an eye open where I was face down on my pillow, lost to the most restful sort of sleep. The kind you could only experience after you’d been kept up for hours being worshipped, your body sagging from the exhaustion of bliss, then you fell asleep in the same arms that had taken you there.

Arms that had held me until morning.

Sure.

Strong.

He’d done it every night this week, keeping me floating on this plane of ecstasy I’d had no idea even existed.

My body was lodged somewhere between depletion and exhilaration.

A hypnotizing satisfaction that ran bone deep.

But I didn’t have time to revel in it right then.

Not when my little girl was currently bouncing on her knees at my side and yanking at my arm.

“Get up, Mommy! Mr. Cody is already up in the kitchen makin’ us the best breakfast because he said we really gotta have our energy if we’re going to play with the horses today, and I’m so very excited!”

Forcing off the fatigue that wanted to suck me back under, I shifted around so I could push up to sitting.

My fingertips brushed down my daughter’s precious face. “You’re excited, huh?”

“Yes! I get to see the horses, and I get new friends! I think it’s really a very special day.”

Paisley had texted two days ago to confirm the barbecue she was planning so the kids could meet. I’d told Maddie about our plans last night.

Soft laughter rolled out, love pulsing against my ribs.

This was what I wanted.

For my daughter to find sanctuary.

A place where she was protected and surrounded by friends.

People who adored her.

Home.

---