Page 58 of Love Restored

“Home, honey. Now let’s get you home. It’s just the two of us, right? We’re a good team.”

Rowan sniffed but walked up the stairs, Blake on her heels.

It turned out, the subcontractor that the Gallaghers had brought on to replace their injured man had actually been hired by the Carmichaels. And he’d apparently had another plan in place if Owen had gone with someone else. He had also been the one to hurt Gary on the site. He’d confessed everything pretty quickly once he’d been found. He hadn’t hurt a hair on Rowan’s head, but had scared the hell out of everyone.

The Carmichaels were being brought up on charges, and Blake was told the custody issue would be off the table forever. Maybe one day she would relax about that, but for now, she needed to tuck her daughter in. Though Owen and Murphy had left with Graham, Maya and her men had stayed.

They’d helped to clean up and kept they press at bay since an Amber Alert had been issued. They’d done so much for her, and yet all Blake wanted was to be alone with her daughter.

“It’s time for bed, baby,” Blake said softly. “Do you want to sleep with me or in your own bed?”

“With you,” Rowan said, her eyes sleepy. “But I want Mr. Graham to read me a story. I like his voice. He makes me feel safe.”

If someone had stabbed her in the heart right then with a rusty knife, it wouldn’t have hurt as badly as hearing that.

“Graham isn’t here, baby.”

Rowan sniffed. “But I want Mr. Graham.”

“How about I read you a story, munchkin?” Jake said from behind them. “I don’t have as deep of a voice as Graham, but he used to read to me a bit when we were kids so I can get the voices right.”

Rowan’s shoulders dropped, but she nodded. “Thank you, Mr. Jake.”

“No problem, hon.” He gave Blake a look and moved past her. “Now, what are we reading?”

Blake let them find a book, and she went into her living room, her mind not up to figuring out the next step.

“What do you need from us?” Maya asked. She had her hand on her belly, and Border stood like a silent sentry by her side.

Blake licked her lips. “I need you guys to leave. Thank you for being here. I will forever be grateful and in your debt. But I need everyone to go.”

Maya shook her head. “Don’t do what I did and push everyone who cares about you away when you get scared. Okay, Blake? Don’t distance yourself.”

Blake raised her chin. “Just go. Please.”

They stared at her a bit before packing up their things. Jake came out of the back area soon after and shook his head before leaving without a word.

Soon, she was alone. Sure, Rowan was in the next room, but she was still alone.

That was where she’d always been, and where she needed to be.

She didn’t deserve anything more.

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