Page 74 of Her Faithful Protector

“That was a much better idea of a birthday party!”

I can imagine my animal-lover bestie choosing a pony ride over a clown ride.

I throw my gaze at the playful wolves, regretting my strained relationship with my parents, all just because of a man. I wonder what they’ll think about Jack, not that they’ll ever make me change my mind if they disapprove.

We stay behind the open viewing area, allowing Quinton to immerse himself in his own world as he points at the different wolves.

Morgan continues. “Jack is a complicated man. You should know that.”

“Isn’t every man complicated?” I comment, putting on a front to conceal the real reason I’m here. I’ve never kept a secret from my bestie before, and it’s killing me! But I promised Jack I wouldn’t tell Morgan about his nightmares, and I won’t break that promise.

“Ave, you’re lame,” she tells me. “The man was abducted when he was seven. You know his complication extends well beyond that of every man.”

“Look, I’ve seen his trauma manifest itself, but I’ve vowed to support him no matter what. Please… please… don’t ask for details.”

“Ava, did he hurt you?”

“No!”

“Promise me you’re telling the truth.”

“I am!”

Morgan exhales, asking, “Remember that incredible sketch you did? Jack Kelleher with his penetrating eyes?”

Of course I do. “What about it?”

“When you showed it to me for the first time, I thought, I’ve never seen a sketch of a man with so much pain in his eyes.”

Her revelation surprises me. “You never mentioned that.”

“You weren’t aware of it?”

Her question makes me recall the sensation of being entranced as I sketched him. Pencil against paper, his image materialized, vivid and uncomplicated. It was just Jack.

“Not really. Perhaps my admiration blinded me, or perhaps it was that pain that drew me to him, so I didn’t perceive it as pain.”

Morgan puts a hand on my shoulder, and a sudden surge of emotion wells up within me, reminiscent of what I felt when I first laid eyes on the completed sketch. “Actually, I did see that pain. I did.”

She pulls me close, offering me comfort. “But you weren’t fazed by it.”

“I saw the pain as his need, and in my imagination, I could fulfill that need. He’s been telling me he’s broken. And I have to admit, I’ve been drawn to his brokenness as if it’s what keeps me connected to him.”

“And you never considered freeing yourself from that attachment?”

“No way. I love him, Morgie.”

“Mama!” The sudden call brings instant smiles to both of our faces. Quinton squirms in Morgan’s arms, calling me again.

My best friend says in disbelief, “Did he…did he just say ‘mama’?”

“He calls me ‘mama’ now,” I say proudly. Seeing the little one restless, I take over carrying him.

Morgan leads the way as we meander along the complex, entering the bear’s area.

“Look, Quinton. Bears.” I point at the two large, brown creatures rolling in the water.

“Baaaa.”

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