Page 177 of Keep This Promise
The happier she is here, the more likely it’ll be that she stays. “Then I can’t wait for you to do it again.”
Sophie takes a step back, biting her lower lip. “Holden, I’d like to talk to you about something.”
It’s clear she’s nervous, and now I am as well, but I tamp it down and focus on letting her tell me what it is before I jump to conclusions.
“Sure.”
“You know I want to stay here, not just because I think you’re wonderful, but also because you deserve to be with Eden . . .”
“I’m going to go back to part two, but you think I’m wonderful?”
She laughs. “Maybe I exaggerated that part a bit.”
“We’ll go with wonderful, but go on, what’s on your mind?”
“As you know, I don’t have any access to my funds, and I was told not to touch it even if I could. I’m assuming whoever Theo has me hiding from is watching our accounts, so I was hoping we could stay with you. Just until I get a job and make enough that we could move out. All I have is a bit of cash, and I don’t know how long it’ll tide me over.”
I take her hand like I’ve wanted to since I saw her. “You don’t have to move out. If you want to work and save your money so you’re not trapped, do that, but don’t leave. Stay with me. My house is paid for, there aren’t any bills I can’t manage, and . . . I like you both being here.”
Big risk to say all that, but here it is. Coming home from the hospital and them being here is truly amazing. I have never felt so at ease. Plus, I want to soak up as much time as I can with Eden.
“You’re sure?”
“Positive.”
“Thank you!” Her smile is wide, and she leans over and kisses my cheek. “It won’t be a lot of money, but it’s a step, and it’s not too much time away from Eden.”
“I think it’s great. Now, I have a favor to ask you . . .”
“Yes. Whatever it is, I’ll do it.”
I raise a brow and smirk. “Anything?”
“You would not be asking for those favors.”
She’s right. I would never. Still, it’s fun to tease her. “No, but tonight is poker night, and I would like you and Eden to come with me.”
“I’d love to go!”
“Good. I’ll go shower, and we’ll head over.”
* * *
“Sophie! You came!” Blakely says, pushing right past me and going to her. She loops her arm in Sophie’s and guides her inside without even acknowledging me. “Come in, it’s freezing out.”
“Nice to see you too, Blake.”
“I see you all the time, Holden, and most days I’d rather not.”
Emmett comes around the corner and grins. “Seems you’re not the favorite anymore.”
“I’m not sure I ever was.”
He chuckles. “You were never mine.”
I flip him off. “I hope you have something stronger than beer for tonight. We’re going to need it.”
“Are we waiting for Spencer, or are you going to clue me in why we have to talk? Is it about Sophie or Eden? Like, maybe you took a DNA test—”
