Page 318 of Redeemed

I drop the lighter so it falls on the trail of gasoline he made. It lights up instantly, and Lucas yanks me back.

“Let’s go,” Colton says, voice hard and low.

We all follow his lead as he rushes toward the parsonage.

“Where are we going?” I ask. “The gate—”

“There’s a tunnel,” Xander explains. “It’s the safest way out.”

If that’s news to Jeremiah, he doesn’t act surprised. Although maybe he didn’t hear. He’s peering up ahead, and when he spots movement, he bursts into a full-on run. Naomi tumbles out of the bushes behind the parsonage, followed by Matthew.

“Miah,” Naomi gasps as she flings herself into Jeremiah’s arms. She buries her face in his neck while he locks her in a tight embrace.

“It’s okay,” he says softly. “I’m okay.”

I don’t miss the pain on Matthew’s face as he stands off to the side, watching them together. He has blood on his shirt, but otherwise, he looks all right.

“We can help you,” I blurt to all of them. “You can leave with us, and we can help you build a life in the real world. Jeremiah, please—”

He shakes his head sadly. “I can’t.”

“But—”

“No, Heaven.” Still holding onto Naomi, he takes my hand and squeezes. “You left, so I have to stay.”

“What… what are you talking about?”

“I don’t hold it against you,” he says softly. “Leaving was the only way you could escape Isaiah. But… one of us had to stay. Thomas and Esther and Hannah, and now the twins—they need someone to protect them. I have to be that person.”

“You…” I lose my breath at the gentle understanding in his eyes. “You were going to leave?”

He nods. “The moment I turned eighteen. But when you disappeared, I changed my mind. You did your best to undo so much of the damage Mom and Dad caused us. I thought if I left, you could continue to protect our siblings, but you beat me to it.”

Oh my god.I had no idea he wanted to leave. He was so head over heels for Naomi that the thought never even crossed my mind.

Jeremiah gives me a watery smile. “Once you were gone, I realized I had to stay. Someone has to look out for the kids.”

Guilt washes over me, the force of it so strong that my knees go weak. Lucas is there, holding me up while Jeremiah releases Naomi. He takes both of my hands and gives me a reassuring smile.

“You did the right thing, Heaven,” he says. “You had to leave. He would’ve killed you, even if he’d left your body alive.”

“But—but you—”

“Shh.” He pulls me into a firm hug. “You have to go.”

“Jeremiah,” I sob.

“It’s okay,” he murmurs. “I love you, Ven. We all do.”

Lucas gently tugs me away. Immediately, Naomi has me wrapped up in one last hug. Even Matthew gives me one before Lucas leads me toward the back steps of the parsonage.

Colton hands Jeremiah a piece of paper. “For when you’re ready.”

Slipping it into his pocket, Jeremiah nods. “Thank you. Now get her out of here.” He nods to me. “I’ll see you again, Heaven.”

“Promise me.” I pull Lucas to a stop when he doesn’t answer. “Jeremiah,promise me.”

His smile is pained. “I promise.”

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