Page 141 of American Beauty

Alex leans back and pins me with a look that’s equal parts gentle and fierce. “You’re not causing a thing, Magnolia.”

I open my mouth to argue, but he cuts me off. “Elias offered. You’re one of us now, and that’s how we roll in the Sebring family. When someone needs backup, we show up. No questions. No guilt trips. Only love.”

The words hit me harder than they should.

I swallow against the lump rising in my throat, trying to process the simple, staggering truth of what he’s saying. I’ve never known loyalty like that. Never known what it is to be someone’s priority without having to earn it or beg for it.

Robin and Charlene can’t be bothered to return a text or call, much less book a plane ticket.

The raw, aching difference between duty and devotion settles in my chest, stealing my breath for a moment. I don’t argue. I don’t downplay it or brush it off.

Instead, I meet his gaze and say the only thing big enough for the moment. “Thank you for looking out for me.”

He studies me for a beat, something dark and tender flickering in his eyes. “I wish it could be me with you. If I were in Charleston and Tyson showed up at your apartment while I was there––”

He trails off, but I see it in his eyes. The promise. The violence he would unleash without hesitation.

“It’s better you’re not there.” I couldn’t stand it if he injured himself fighting Tyson and ruined the reconstruction on his ankle.

His mouth curves into a slow, almost dangerous smile.

“You’re probably right.” There’s no mistaking the fierce protectiveness in his voice—the raw, unflinching need to shield me, to fight for me.

The fear in my chest loosens its grip just a little because I know, no matter what’s coming, I won’t be facing it alone.

We finish breakfast and I push away from the table. Alex follows my lead, rising, balancing his weight on his good leg as he grabs his crutch.

I hover like a mother bird, and he shakes his head, not wanting me to fuss over him. So I trail him to the sofa instead.

“I have to get back to Charleston. The client walk-through is tomorrow afternoon.” I know that isn’t what he wants to hear.

Alex nods, slow and measured. “You know I don’t want to see you go, but I get it. Elias’s flight lands tonight. He’ll go straight to your place and stay with you for however long you need him.”

I nod, trying to process it all—relieved because I won’t be alone, that someone will be there, ready, if Tyson tries anything.

“I’ll have Violet meet him at my apartment. She has a spare key. She can let him in, show him around. Make sure he’s comfortable until I get there.”

We sip the last of our coffee, the day stretching out ahead of us, neither of us moving to fill it.

Not yet.

Alex shifts beside me, setting his mug on the coffee table with a soft thud. “Come on. Let’s get some fresh air.”

The balcony door slides open, letting in a breeze laced with the warmth of the morning sun. We step outside together, the city stretching wide and endless in front of us, bathed in the soft burn of sunrise.

I move to the railing, wrapping my fingers around the cool metal, letting the first of the day’s heat soak into my skin.

A moment later, his arms come around my waist, strong and sure, pulling me back against the solidness of his body.

He rests his chin on my shoulder, his breath warm against my skin.

I lean into him, closing my eyes for a moment, memorizing the way this feels. Like being found. Like being home. And maybe… I am. Because this instinct to protect, to show up, to be each other’s safe place is what a real partnership looks like.

Not polished, not perfect. Messy. Inconvenient. Raw and real in the ways that matter.

But I’m not running from it now. I’m running toward it.

Toward him.

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