Page 39 of Clara's Secure Hideaway

Davey smiled but dropped his gaze to the floor.

“What’s wrong?” Heath asked.

With his lips twisted to the side, he finally met Heath’s eyes. “I don’t want to ever leave here.”

The statement made his heart soar and crushed it at the same time. He understood Davey’s desire to stay in a place that was fun and safe and filled with laughter. Hell, he’d miss the kid to death when the time came for him to return home.

But he couldn’t stay here forever. He couldn’t stay in a temporary shelter where everyone worked to make every minute magical and create only the best memories. As much as Heath wished he could promise Davey would never live in fear or experience guilt over things he had no control over, he couldn’t make that promise.

“Can you sit with me for a minute?” He set his plate on the dresser then settled back on the edge of the mattress.

Davey scurried on the bed beside him, kicking his legs out in front of him and placing his hands in his lap to mimic Heath’s pose.

“I’m happy you like being at my mom’s house. I like it here, too. Sometimes we get a chance to take a little break from regular life. I’m glad this little break is so much fun for you, and I know my mom would love to see you for visits. Heck, I hope you’ll visit me, too.”

“But I can’t live here,” Davey said, his voice heavy with sadness. “Regular life is hard.”

The simple words held a lifetime of pain. Heath wrapped an arm around Davey’s tiny shoulders. “You’re right, buddy. Regular life can be so hard sometimes. Especially when you’re a kid.”

Davey rested his head against Heath and sighed. “Was it tough when you were a kid?”

“Yes.” He barely choked out the word. “My childhood was a lot like yours. I had a dad who hurt my mom. Who scared me. He was mean to me.”

“Really? Is he still mean?”

“Probably, but I haven’t seen him in a very long time. My mom was strong and brave and determined to keep us safe, like your mom. We left and then regular life became good.”

Davey sniffled. “So my life can stay good, too?”

Emotion tightened Heath’s chest, and he struggled to keep tears from filling his eyes. This little boy had been dealt a shitty hand, but he had one thing going for him that would be his ace in the hole.

A mother who’d move mountains to protect him and his sister.

“It sure can. Now that doesn’t mean it won’t be hard sometimes and bad things might happen. But it means you can be happy and know that you don’t have to be afraid. You can rest easy knowing your mom will keep you safe, no matter what. And so will I.”

Davey wrapped his arms around Heath’s middle and hugged him tight. “You’re real nice. I like when you’re around.”

Nothing on this earth could make Heath’s smile wider, his heart fuller. “I like having you around, too, buddy. And your sister.”

Davey pulled away and stared up at him, scrunching his nose. “She’s loud sometimes.”

Heath chuckled. “That’s okay. So’s my mom. I’m used to it. Now let’s head out to the kitchen before both our moms come looking for us.”

“Okay!” Davey jumped off the bed and ran out the door.

Heath stood and grabbed the plate before following him down the hall. He wished he wouldn’t ever have to say goodbye to Davey or Avery. That he could offer security and safety for the rest of their lives. But even if that wasn’t an option, he could stand with them and be their friend for as long as they wanted him around.

15

While Clara put the kids down for an afternoon nap, Heath brewed a fresh pot of coffee. He’d need the extra zip of caffeine to push him through the rest of the day. Between scrubbing the kitchen, constantly tidying up, and entertaining two rambunctious kids, he was exhausted.

But a good exhausted. The kind that fed the soul.

His mom sat at the table, her purse in her lap and cane by her side.

“Do you want to take any coffee with you?” he asked. “I can put it in a go-cup.”

She waved away the offer with a flick of the wrist. “Too much of that stuff’s bad for my ticker. If I’m tired when I get back, I can catch a nap like the little ones are doing. I sure do love having them here.”

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