Page 88 of Everlasting Promises

I grin at the torturous expression on his face, and I know the next two weeks will drag. “We can text,” I offer, hopefully.

He nods stiffly, like he doesn’t trust what will come out of his mouth.

Our number’s called, and we grab our food and head to our table. Conversation flows easily between the three of us, and before I know it, our evening is over and my stomach sinks with disappointment. I never thought I’d feel this way about someone else. Never thought I’dwantto spend all of my time with someone other than Wyatt.

Not that long ago, I was devoted to the idea of being alone for the rest of my days. It’s shocking how my thoughts have shifted so drastically, and yet, once I gave myself permission to move forward, it’s been easy.

I love spending time with Ben. I love seeing him with Evan. I’m not sure exactly how things shifted for me, but I’ll be damned if I’ll willingly give up this feeling of rightness.

We drop Ben at home, and as I pull into the driveway of our house, something feels off. “Did you leave the light on upstairs?”

Evan leans forward and looks up at the house. “Nope.” And why would he? We left home this morning.

“Hmmm.” I turn off the engine and twist in my seat. “Wait here, okay?”

“No. I’ll come with you. What if there’s someone inside?” It’s sweet that he’s being protective.

I widen my eyes at him. “Exactly. Wait here, please.”

He reluctantly nods, and I climb out of the car, engaging the locks in case there is someone around and they try to steal our car. Nothing looks amiss, but I trek around the side of the house. That’s when I notice the side door ajar. My hands shake and my legs feel like Jell-O.

Quietly, I make my way back to our car and tug Evan out of the back seat, holding my finger up to my lips, showing we should be silent. I know we wouldn’t stand a chance against whoever might be inside our house, so I lock the car again and lead Evan away from our home, even though everything inside me wants to confront the intruder.

With shaky hands, I dial the one person I know can help us.

42

BEN

My phone rings,and when I glance at the screen, my heart takes flight and I beam into the night sky. After weeks of her keeping a careful distance between us, she’s already calling me straight after one of the best days of my life.

My smile drops as my thoughts take a darker turn.What if something’s wrong?

I quickly accept the call. “Hey. Is everything all right?”

“Ben! Oh, thank goodness.” Her whispered voice drips with panic.

My senses go on high alert, and I grab my keys, heading straight for my truck after locking the door—Rex close on my heels. “What’s wrong?”

“We just got home and found the side door open and a light on upstairs. I know I locked the house this morning when I left to pick up Evan. Y-You were the first person I thought to call,” she tells me, her voice shaky and uneven.

“I’m on my way. Wait out front for me. I don’t want you in the house in case someone’s still inside.” I start the engine and floorit out of my driveway and onto the road. I’ll be there in less than ten minutes if traffic is on my side. “Stay on the phone with me. Okay?”

I hear rustling and know she’s following my instructions. “Okay.”

Focusing on the road, I hear their footsteps on the sidewalk, which I know is on the opposite side of the street to their house. I bang on the steering wheel when I get stopped at the third set of traffic signals. “Damn it!”

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah. I keep getting all the red lights. I’m not too far now. Sit tight, okay?” The light turns green, and I floor the gas. I know I should follow the law and travel at the correct speed, but my body won’t allow me to go slow.

“We’re safe, Ben. Don’t rush—” She disconnects the call as soon as we spot each other, my truck barreling down the street toward her and Evan, and I’m happy to see they’re as far away from their house as they can be while still keeping watch on their property.

I shut off the engine the second I pull in behind their car and jump out. As I take long strides toward the two most important people in my life, I scan Hope and Evan from top to toe, ensuring they’re okay. Gripping Hope’s slender shoulders, I pull her into me and wrap my arms around her, pressing us together until I can feel every single inch. Rex barks, and I pull Evan into the embrace.

Hope presses her cheek against me, and she must feel my heart hammering heavily against my ribs. After a few moments, she tilts her head up, and I cup her cheek, pushing her hair away from her face. Looking between her and Evan, I ask, “Are you guys okay?”

She exhales, sending her warm breath ghosting across my chin. “We’re fine.”

---