Page 27 of The Secrets We Built Together

Ethan had been a dick when we were growing up. Granted he was actually a pretty good guy now and did a lot for the towngiven his position as Sheriff. Right now, I couldn't think of a single redeeming feature for him though.

"Is everything okay?" Blake asked.

My gaze moved to little Amelia snoring softly in a bouncy chair that had been placed in the middle of the table.

"Yeah. Sorry. I saw Ethan's car and worried something had happened."

A soft smile came to Blake's face that had my inner caveman ready to roar. It was a look she should always have on her face. This scared version of Blake just didn't sit right with me.

Almost like my thoughts had brought it into existence, her smile fell and she turned back to Ethan.

"So there'll definitely be an investigation then?"

I knew what they were talking about, and I hated that she was having to go through this. I'd seen enough CPS interventions when I was doing my medical training to know most of the steps now. Obviously there was a reason why procedures like this had to be in place, but in this situation it didn't seem fair. There was nowhere better that Amelia could be, than right here with her Aunt who would love her dearly.

"I'm afraid so. I can give you a day to get what you need in order, but then I'll have no choice but to put the call through, Blake." Ethan winced. "I'm sorry."

He didn't have to specify what he was sorry about. It was fairly obvious from the grim look on his face. Ethan already knew that there was little chance Blake would be allowed to keep Amelia in her current circumstances.

Blake cleared her throat. It was the sound of someone trying desperately to keep their tears at bay, and it tore into me in a way I didn't want to experience.

Ethan stood and Blake slowly followed, no doubt intending to show him to the door. But then Ethan moved as if to wrap his arms around her.

I didn't know what came over me. Just that there was no way I was about to let that happen.

My hand darted out to wrap around Blake's waist and I tugged her into my side.

"Thank you for your time, Ethan," I growled out through clenched teeth.

The intensity of my reaction startled even me. This possessive feeling was entirely new—I'd never felt this territorial over anyone before. The rational part of my brain tried to argue that I was just being protective, but I knew better. This was something else entirely.

Ethan's gaze darted between the two of us and then he smiled, tipping his hat as he said, "Always a pleasure. I'll give you a call tomorrow to let you know when to expect a visit. I've already got your number."

The shit-eating grin on his face as he imparted that information made me want to punch him in the face and the force with which I felt it surprised me.

I leaned into it, liking the way it made me feel. This was the most alive I'd felt in years. The most like myself. It was like the fog had finally been lifted and I was seeing life in all the beautiful colors I'd been blind to for so many years.

It also took my mind off the way that Blake leaned into my side. How her hand had come up to rest against my chest.

And, most of all, the way I never wanted it to end.

Chapter 10

Blake

Ididn't hate the weight of Xander's arm around my shoulders. Not at all, which was the problem. I should pull away. Put distance between us. Focus on the impossible task ahead of me.

But I didn't want to. Not yet. Maybe not ever.

His warmth seeped into me, solid and steady, while my mind raced through the steps Ethan had outlined earlier. Guardianship. Legal custody. Home studies. References. Background checks. Financial stability.

Impossible.

The word echoed in my brain, a relentless drumbeat that grew louder with each passing second. How was I supposed to navigate the legal system in the timeframe we had? How was I supposed to convince a judge that I—single, trying to make it as an artist, no steady income, essentially crashing with my friends—was the best option for Amelia?

And if I couldn't, what then? Foster care? Let Delaney and Trace take her instead?

The pressure built in my chest, and it felt like the walls were closing in around me. I couldn't breathe, the weight of the situation crushing me, cutting off my air until I couldn't hold it in anymore. A sob escaped, bursting out in one loud exhale of sorrow. Then another, and suddenly I was crying—really crying—for the first time in a long time.

---