Page 106 of Wildest Dreams

“Only me sweet,” Orla's soft voice fills the room and I smile, relieved that it wasn't Jorge or Riggs.

She walks into the small room, unfolding the travel crib that was downstairs in Tripp's room.

“Thought you would need this up here,” she smiles softly as she places it on the hardwood floor before putting it up.

“Thank you,” I whisper as my eyes lock on Lainey who is milk drunk and dozing.

“Don't thank me sweet girl,” she sighs as if my words are wasted on her.

“I do need to thank you,” and I feel the familiar burn crawling up my throat as tears threaten to fall. “You took me and Lainey in for a few nights and we're still here nearly a month on,” I sniffle as I stroke Lainey's soft brown hair, her fingers curled around my pendant.

“You're family Dixie, you and little Lainey make all of our days so much brighter,” she tilts her head to the side.

I choke out a sob and hate that I have let the tears fall.

“You're helping around the ranch, you and Tripp are well... whatever you are,” she smirks, “and I know how hard it must be for you to be back here again, back where your memories are not happy ones.” She steps towards me, slowly sitting next to me on my bed.

I nod.

“But we're all glad you're back,” she wraps her arms around my shoulders and pulls me into her for a cuddle.

“I'm glad to be back,” and I kind of wish it was a lie, but it's not. I was terrified of coming back here, but now I am... I can't imagine being anywhere else.

“Good, our sweet girl,” she whispers into my hair as she kisses me like my mom used to and my heart breaks, slowly shattering into a million tiny pieces inside my hollow chest. “Now, go get cleaned up. You stink and dinner will be done in twenty,” she whispers, and I can see the smirk pulling at her painted red lips.

I sniffle, laughing softly as I stand with a snoozing Lainey, kissing her forehead and lingering for just a moment before I lay her down with her comforter.

“Night baby,” I whisper, my fingers dusting through her hair.

“I'll take the monitor down, see you shortly,” Orla says as she picks the monitor up and walks out of the door, not looking back.

The smile quickly slips from my lips and the anxiety rips through me, but I push it down and head for the shower.

Not tonight Dixie... not tonight.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

TRIPP

Dixie was quiet during dinner, but to be honest, mom was too.

The house felt too quiet. Too empty. Haunted almost. Dad, Riggs and Pacey were missing from our table. My mom kept looking at the head of the table where Dad would normally sit and sighing before her eyes dragged across to where Pacey would normally be sitting.

“Won't be long, ma,” I smile, stabbing my fork into a potato. “Table will be full again,” I try and force a smile out and she nods, silent tears building behind her eyes.

“I know,” her voice is a whisper, “hate a quiet house,” she admits before her eyes are cast down to her plate.

“Dinner is delicious Orla,” Dixie's voice floats across the table, the sincerity loud in her tone.

“Thank you, sweet girl.”

Slowly sinking my hand under the table, I rest it on Dixie’s bare thigh and I don't miss the way her breath catches at the back of her throat at the feel of my fingers on her skin.

“I'll be at the hospital late tonight, might even stay there.” My mom says a little louder as my fingertips trace circles on her thighs.

“Okay,” I answer as I reach for my glass and swallow down a mouthful of water.

“Will you be okay?” she asks and I can see the worry that etches into her face.

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