Page 43 of Moose

“Having fun?”

“Yes, daddy!” She turned and ran to Lily. “Miss Lily! Are you okay?”

Lily kneeled down and hugged Nova.

“I’m good, Nova. Thank you for checking on me.”

She smiled. “I’m glad daddy could help you. When I’m scared, he gives me bear hugs to make me feel better. Did he give you a bear hug?”

Lily looked up and smiled at me. “Yes, he did.”

Hawk laughed. “I want a bear hug, daddy.”

“Fuck off, Hawk.”

Sav walked over and sat on his lap. “Leave him alone, babe.”

Lily laughed. “As much as I would love to stay longer, I’m exhausted.”

Sav nodded and curled into Hawk.

“Let me know if you need anything, Lily.”

“Thanks, Sav.”

The prospect helped me get the kids into the truck and then made sure Lily was all set as well. Before we left, I grabbed his arm.

“Just wanted to say you’re doing a great job, Beckett. You’ve come a long way from when you first showed up here.”

The young kid smiled at me. “Thanks, Moose. I’ve got some demons, but being here helps. Sav and Hawk have really helped me, too. And hanging out with your kids. They’re so great and it makes me not want to be such a dick.”

I laughed as he headed toward his bike.

“Good. Let me know if you ever need anything.”

He nodded and revved his engine, taking off down Main Street. I got in my truck and watched as Lily backed out of the alley.

I drove behind her as we headed toward my house. The kids were already falling asleep in the back seat. Despite the circumstances, I smiled at what was going on around me.

My kids were happy. Sav and Hawk were in love and she was doing better every day, and I was going to get to spend some more time with Lily.

Chapter Nine

Lily

WehadpulledintoMoose’s driveway, and I was still a bit shaken up. My entire world was just turned upside down. Memories of my kidnappings were on my mind as I grabbed my overnight bag and walked into the house.

I didn’t even notice Moose behind me as he brought more of my things in.

“Your room is next to mine.”

He opened the door for me and I looked around at the empty room. It had a queen bed with one dresser and a small desk in the corner.

This was ten times better than the hotel room, at least. I dropped my bag on the bed and turned to Moose.

“I’m so sorry for invading your personal space…”

He walked over to me and gently tilted my head up.

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