Page 39 of A Package Deal

“Why wouldn’t they want you?” His daughters weren’t idiots, and only an idiot wouldn’t want Nelie in their life.

“I don’t think Jackson wants me. He isn’t happy about this.” Nelie winced.

“He’ll come around. He’s had a lot thrown at him, too. I barely knew what day it was when Ava was born. I can’t imagine where his head’s been at with Nate’s illness. You were friends before. You’ll figure it out.” She shrugged, as if she didn’t believe him. “What else?”

“Nothing else. That’s it,” she said. Chet sighed in frustration.

“Nelie, I wasn’t kidding when I said the world is your oyster. And now that you have financial freedom, you sure as hell should want more than us and them. What do you want for yourself?”

“You. I want you. And them. I’m fine with my life.”

“And I want more for you than a life you’re fine with.” Chet stopped to compose himself. If he yelled at her, she wouldn’t hear him. “What’s wrong with a great life?”

Nelie shifted as if the idea of a great life made her uncomfortable. “Where does that leave us?” she asked, avoiding his question. She did that a lot—changing the topic when she was uncomfortable—but he’d pay more attention now that he was on to her.

“If I was smart, I’d say we’re still in a timeout, because I want the best for you,” he quickly added when it looked like she was going to interrupt. “But walking out your door the other day almost killed me, so I won’t be that selfless again.”

“No one likes a martyr or a saint,” Nelie grumbled, and he laughed.

“What do you think we should do?” he asked. Nelie stared at their joined hands, rubbing her thumb against his. Chet could almost feel her thinking, and he wished she’d think as fast as she moved. But Nelie was contemplative. He teased her she was a whirling dervish, but when it came to life outside of the Galley, she was slow and methodical, almost as if she didn’t trust herself.

“I want to be with you while I figure this out.”Hallelujah!He kissed her forehead. “I promise I’ll dream big and do some more soul-searching. I’ve already started a few lists. But right now, everything feels new, you know? Not just being part of the Harts or the financial change, but a mindset one, too.”

“That you don’t have to be a busy worker bee?” Chet asked, and Nelie took another deep breath as if preparing herself.There’s more?Chet braced himself.

“Gus and Stella didn’t take me in. It was a stupid cover story my mom made up and everyone went along with it.”

“But they adopted you.”

“Yes, but I was also told they took me in.”

“And they loved you,” he said, not following her logic.

“Yes, but I thought I was a burden. No one wants to be a burden.” The pain in her words sliced through him. He pulled her into his arms, and she melted into him.

“Ah, Nelie,” he sighed, as her fingers moved across his chest. He understood where her pain came from, and his heart ached for her. Believing she was a burden had anchored Nelie, but now the anchor was gone, and she was drifting. Chet didn’t want him and the girls to be her new anchor. He wanted to be the arm floaties supporting her as she learned how to swim in her new world.

She cuddled closer to him, like he was her safe place. And he wanted to be that for her. Now and forever. “How many adult decisions have you made because Nelie-the-kid thought she was a burden?” he asked, breaking their comfortable silence.

Her hand stilled. “Probably a crap-ton.” Her voice was heavy with regret.

“Maybe a good place to start would be looking at the decisions you regret the most and figuring out if you can undo them or make them less bothersome?”

“That’s a good idea. Painful but good.” He felt her nod against his chest. “Can I bounce ideas off you?”

“Absolutely, especially if they’re as excellent as your new espresso machine. I’m guessing it’s a result of your newfound zeros?” He dropped a kiss on her forehead.

“What was wrong with my old one?” She sounded indignant and Chet didn’t know if she was playing him. They’d made a lot of progress in a short amount of time, and he didn’t want to mess it up with his answer.

“It moaned so loudly it should have been shot and taken out of its misery,” he answered truthfully. She giggled, and he relaxed.

“Well, it was a splurge. How do you feel about travel?”

“Hell, yes. Somewhere warm where you can wear that red bikini for me.”

Nelie kissed her way up his neck and lingered when she met his lips. She hummed, as if she’d found her happy place.

“Can we stay here tonight?” she whispered as her hands slipped under his sweater.

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