Page 21 of He Doesn't Deserve You

“Emily was mad at me,” Gabriel admitted, gripping his hair in frustration. “But she didn’t leave me. If she did, Sydney would know about it. You’ve got to believe me; something is wrong.”

Detective Johnson’s eyes narrowed with concern. “So, you and your wife fought. Is there anything else you haven’t mentioned?”

Gabriel took a steady breath. “I didn’t say we fought. I said she was mad at me. And yes, there is more to the story. Someone broke into our home Sunday night. At the time, I thought it was just a random burglary, but now I’m starting to think they were trying to abduct my daughter.”

The detective’s expression grew more serious. “Did you call the police to report it?”

“Yes,” Gabriel confirmed. “An officer came out and took a report.”

“Okay,” Detective Johnson said. After jotting down some notes, he said, “I can’t promise you anything, but I will check some things out, run the plate, and get back to you. What is your phone number?”

“Thank you,” Gabriel said, feeling a sense of relief wash over himas the detective finally seemed to take him seriously. He provided his phone number and then stood up. “I appreciate anything you can do.”

Detective Johnson handed Gabriel his card. “Call me if anything comes up or if your wife and child return,” he instructed, his tone both professional and reassuring.

12

When Emily awakened the next day, she instinctively reached across the bed to feel for Ava, but the space beside her was empty. She opened her eyes and glanced at the clock on the nightstand—it was already past nine. She couldn’t believe Ava had let her sleep so late. Hastily, she got out of bed, threw on yesterday’s clothes, and made her way to the kitchen.

Standing in the doorway, she took a moment to absorb the heartwarming scene. Roman stood behind Ava, perched on a chair, diligently mixing ingredients in a large bowl. Emily couldn’t help but reflect on how Gabriel had never done such things.

Roman looked up and met Emily’s gaze, prompting her to smile and say, “Good morning.”

Hearing her mother’s voice, Ava glanced up, her face lighting up with excitement. “We’re making pam cakes!” she exclaimed.

Roman chuckled and gently corrected her, “Pancakes.”

“That’s what I said,” Ava said.

“You should have woken me,” Emily said, going to the coffee machine.

“I figured you could use the sleep,” Roman said.

Emily poured herself a cup of coffee, “Yeah, I guess I did.”

They enjoyed a hearty breakfast of pancakes and bacon. Roman reached for the plates in her hands as Emily began clearing the table. “I got it,” he said. “You and Ava go play.”

Emily gently took the dishes back. “I insist. I need to start earning my keep around here,” she replied. “Besides, don’t you have some things you need to take care of?” She cast a meaningful glance at Ava.

Roman nodded. “Yeah, I do.”

Emily playfully shooed him away with her hands. “All right then, get going.”

“Okay, I can see when I’m not wanted.” Roman made his way to the doorway. “I’ll probably be gone for most of the day. I’ll pick up something for dinner on my way home.”

Emily smiled. “Sounds good. Don’t worry about us; we’ll be fine.”

“I’ll see you later,” Roman replied, walking out of the kitchen. Moments later, Emily heard the front door close.

As Emily did the dishes and tidied up the kitchen, Ava asked, “Is today a school day?”

Instead of explaining to Ava that it was a school day, but she wouldn’t attend, Emily simply said, “Not today, honey. Do you want to go outside and play?”

Ava clapped her hands, “Yay! I want to play outside.”

“Okay, but first we need to change your clothes.” Emily took Ava by the hand and led her back to the bedroom. She rummaged through Ava’s backpack, pulling out a spare set of clothes. It was then she realized that Ava would need more clothes soon.

Once Ava was dressed in fresh clothes, Emily made the bed before they stepped outside. They discovered an old sandbox on the property. Emily settled into an Adirondack chair and watched as Ava happily entertained herself, playing in the sand for a couple of hours.

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