Page 40 of Worship Him

The rain is pounding against the windows now, a relentless drumbeat.

“Okay,” I agree reluctantly. “But just for tonight.”

He nods, already moving to close the curtains against the storm’s encroaching gloom.

I look over at Avery, feeling a mix of gratitude and unease.

The memories of my former life are everywhere—photos on the walls, the scent of his cologne lingering in the air. It’s like stepping back into a past I’m not sure I’m ready to face.

“I’ll set up the guest room,” he says, already moving out of the room and toward the stairs.

As he leads me down the hallway, I can’t shake the weirdness of being back here. I shake my head and try to focus on Avery’s safety instead of the gnawing unease in my chest.

“Listen,” Adam starts as we reach the guest room door, “I didn’t mean to sound like an ass just now.”

I smirk despite myself. “You’ve always had a way with words.”

He gives me a look that’s almost a smile. Almost. “Just trying to keep you and Avery safe.”

“I know,” I admit, stepping into the guest room. It’s pristine, untouched by time or turmoil.

Adam lingers in the doorway. “Do you need anything else?”

I shake my head, feeling awkward under his scrutiny. “No, this is fine. Thanks.”

He hesitates for a moment before nodding and turning away. The click of the door closing feels like an exclamation point on our strained situation.

I sink onto the bed, running a hand through my hair. The sound of rain beating against the window grows louder, mingling with distant thunderclaps. Now my phone buzzes with a warning alert—staying was definitely the right call.

Still, being here feels like opening an old wound. Memories flash before me: our first night in this house, laughing over takeout in bed; passionate arguments about work and life; moments of quiet contentment that seemed so simple then.

I pull myself back to reality and glance out the window. It’s really looking bad out there.

I’m startled slightly by a knock on the doorframe. Adam stands there, looking almost hesitant—a rare sight.

“I made some tea,” he says. “Thought you might want some.”

I smile despite myself. “Thanks.”

He hands me a mug and lingers for a moment longer than necessary before silently leaving again.

Just as I’m about to take a sip, Avery’s sharp cry has me rushing to her room, but Adam’s already there. He picks her up and holds her safely in his arms.

It only takes a few moments for him to calm her down and she falls asleep almost immediately. He puts her back in the crib, covering her with a plush pink blanket.

After ensuring that Avery is going to stay asleep and setting up the baby monitor, Adam and I find ourselves in the living room. The tension between us is thick, almost suffocating.

I can’t hold it in any longer. The dam breaks, and tears stream down my face.

“I’m so sorry,” I sob, burying my face in my hands. “I screwed up so badly. I shouldn’t have kept her from you. It killed me to do it.”

He watches me, his expression unreadable. I can see the storm brewing in his eyes, but he stays silent.

“I never cheated on you,” I continue, my voice trembling. “I would never do that. How could you think that?”

His eyes soften just a bit as he steps closer. “Destiny, stop,” he says quietly.

“I understand if you hate me,” I say through my tears. “I would hate me too.”

---