Page 65 of Don't Leave Me

“Well, I don’t think I can live without you for longer than a month.” Sophia sticks her bottom lip out in a pout.

“Oh my gosh! You lived almost twenty-one years without him.” Jax rolls his eyes. “You’re being dramatic.”

“That’s rich coming from you. You’re the most dramatic person I know!” Sophia glares at him.

“Whatever. I only want Pecker to move here so I can have a new best friend. Plus, you’re kinda cool to have around, squirt.” He ruffles Sophia’s hair, making her swat at him. He couldn’t care less. He just laughs and tugs her into his arms. “I love you, Soph. I need you back here soon.”

“I love you too, Jaxy.”

“Take care of my little sister, Peck. I don’t have a replacement if something happens to her.” Cody gives me a hug and pats me on the back.

“I’ll protect her with my life.”

“Good, because if anything happens to her, that’s what we’re coming for,” Wes grumbles under his breath, earning himself a glare from Sophia.

“Daddy, stop it. You love Peck.” She places her hands on her hips and glares at her father.

“He’s like having another son.” Wes watches me carefully. “I wasn’t joking, Peck. Any time you wish you could talk to your dad, you’re free to call me.”

“He’s the best dad.” Sophia smiles up at him.

“He’s alright. There’s always room for improvement.” Jax pats him on the back.

“We’ll be coming to visit Maple Springs in a few weeks. I can't wait to meet your family, Peck!” Charlie wraps me in a tight hug. She doesn’t care that she’s squishing her belly between us. “Thank you for loving her the way you do and being so amazing,” she whispers in my ear. “And for being exactly what Wyatt needs in his life.”

“You have no reason to thank me. I'm lucky to have all of you in my life now.”

“Drive safe. I’ll be keeping in contact with you, Peck.” Wyatt squeezes me tightly in his arms. “It feels so weird to have a little brother… other than Creed. Damn, our family really is complicated.” He chuckles, slipping his arm around Charlie’s waist.

“I want all the updates on the baby! Every single thing that happens.” Sophia points a finger in Charlie’s face.

“Obviously.” She rolls her eyes like keeping us up to date is the only clear option for her.

“If either one of you need anything, call us. We’ll be in Maple Springs as quickly as we can.” Addi hugs both of us before cuddling into Wes’ side.

“Love you all,” Sophia and I say as I open the passenger’s door and she climbs inside. After shutting her door, I get in my side and start the car.

We both smile and wave, taking the long way around the circle so we can wave to the entire Mulberry Lane family. As we pull onto the main road, Sophia swipes at her cheek. I reach my hand over and she intertwines our fingers.

“We’ll be back soon, baby. I promise.” I squeeze her hand, trying to stop her from crying.

“You’re really going to move here with me? You like Mulberry Lane?”

“I love Mulberry Lane and I’ll really move wherever you want me to… but I need to make sure Sydney will be ok first. I knowthat could push back my move a little, but I moved to Maple Springs for her, Soph.”

“I know. I just want to be with you. I guess I could stay in Maple Springs longer than two months.” She worries her bottom lip between her teeth.

“I know this is asking a lot and it’s going to be frustrating, but can we take things one week at a time and figure it out that way?” I glance at her before returning my gaze to the road. “I don’t want to make any promises to you and then not be able to keep them.”

“We can do that.”

She’s quiet for a long while. The next time I glance over at her, she’s sound asleep with her head resting against the window. I smile and keep driving in silence. She looks so beautiful.

“Peck?” She says softly a few hours later.

“Yeah, baby?”

“Will you stay at my house tonight?” She moved all of her things into Zoey’s old house before we left for Mulberry Lane, but she hasn’t stayed there yet. I’m sure part of her is scared to sleep there after Jimmy found them there.

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