Page 101 of Just My Luck

THIRTY-SIX

ABEL

I had thoughtan afternoon on the beach would be what Sloane needed. Something was off, and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. My own thoughts had been consumed by the conversation with my father. I carried with me a sinking feeling that he had something to do with Jared not showing up for his friends of the court meeting.

In fact, Sloane’s ex hadn’t been spotted anywhere, and his disappearance was still under investigation.

I drove my truck past the marina, through town, and down a quiet road toward home. It amazed me how Sloane and the kids had turned a cold, empty house into a home.

Our home.

My eyes flicked to the rearview mirror. Ben was curled into his seat, the seat belt acting as a makeshift headrest as he dozed. Tillie’s head was back, mouth open, and already snoring.

Beside me, Sloane’s gaze floated dreamily over the passing buildings and blueberry fields as we made our way out of town.

I no longer felt tense and frazzled with them in the car. Behind the wheel I was in control. They were safe.

They would always be safe with me.

My right hand found Sloane’s arm, brushing down her soft skin to capture her hand. I pulled her knuckles to my lips and nestled her hand against my chest as I drove. Late-afternoon sunlight slanted through the window, highlighting the swirls of browns and greens in her eyes, but it didn’t hide the sadness. Just beyond the edges of her small smile, I could see it.

“I love you,” I whispered, kissing her knuckles once more.

I watched the small muscles of her neck work as she swallowed. “I love you too.”

I held her hand and focused on the drive. We would get through this. We had to. In my mind, there was no other option. I may have been content merely existing before Sloane and the kids, but now? I couldn’t fathom a world in which we weren’t together.

As I parked, I pressed a finger to my lips and gestured toward the quiet back seat. “I’ve got them.”

After opening the back door, I scooped Ben into my arms. His deadweight was heavy, but as I jostled him, he curled into my shoulder. “Hey, bud, we’re just going inside.”

He mumbled something but didn’t wake. Sloane moved toward Tillie’s door, and I shook my head. “I can get her if you grab the towels.”

She smiled and agreed. After carrying Ben to the living room and depositing him gently onto the couch, I returned for Tillie. She was still snoring when I reached across to unbuckle her seat belt.

Once she was secured in my arms, I straightened and turned toward the door. “Thanks, Dad.”

Pressure bloomed in my chest.

I stared down at her little freckled face. She was dreaming, but I held her closer, holding back tears. “No problem, kiddo.”

My heart raced. I had fallen for these damn kids before I even fell in love with their mother. It was too late now—I was sunk. Iwouldn’t stand for a life without them in it, and it was about time I made that clear with Sloane.

Tillie had roused by the time I’d made it in the house with her, so I set her onto her feet. She dragged a hand across her tired eyes. “I think I’m going to relax in my room before dinner.”

Sloane smiled and guided her down the hallway. “That’s a good idea, hon.”

With Ben still sleeping on the couch, Sloane met me in the kitchen. Worry creased her forehead, and I moved to her. “Hey, are you okay?”

Unshed tears swam in her eyes as she looked up at me. I cupped her cheeks. “What is it?”

She could barely look at me as her chin wobbled and she finally crumpled. “He’s just so vindictive and cruel. He’ll use every penny he has to punish me.”

My nostrils flared. I hated that her ex-husband wielded his wealth to cause pain and instill fear in the woman I loved. The answer was clear, so I lifted my chin. “We sell.”

Her eyes searched mine. “What?”

I crossed my arms. “We can sell the brewery to my father and use that money to fight this. Whatever it takes.”

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