Page 65 of When We Fall: Part One
“It’s not childish to get angry and need space to think,” he broke in. “I’d rather you be quiet and have time to think than make a rash decision. OK?”
“OK,” I whispered.
“I love you so much, Rosie. I’ll see you tomorrow morning. I’m not coming in, so just come outside and meet me.”
“Fox.” I licked my lips. “I’m scared.”
“Don’t be. Everything will be OK. I promise.”
I closed my eyes and exhaled.
“Believe me.”
“I believe you,” I said, hoping he could keep that promise.
“Sleep, my love. I’ll see you in the morning. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
He ended the call, and I sat staring at the phone in my hand, my chest tight.
“Is he coming home?” Cole demanded, stopping his pacing to come and stand in front of me.
I shook my head, the first tear falling.
Cole went to his knees in front of me and put his head in my lap, his body shaking as he cried softly.
“I’m sorry, Rosebud. I’m so sorry I did this. I-I?—”
I lifted his face and stared into his eyes. “It’s going to be OK. Fox said it would. He just needs some space.”
He nodded, the tears dampening his cheeks. “I didn’t mean it. None of it. I was upset?—”
“I know. I know you didn’t. It’ll be OK.”
“Promise?”
I nodded, really hoping it would be.
“I’m going to leave in the morning and stay with him.”
Cole’s eyes widened. “What? No! Y-you can’t leave, too. Fuck.” He fell onto his ass and twisted his fingers into his hair. “You can’t fucking go.”
“It’s just for a few days.”
“Why? Why do you need to go?” he pleaded, staring up at me from his spot on the floor.
“Because he asked me to,” I said gently. “He wants to talk.”
“Don’t let him leave us.” Cole was back up and clinging to my hands. “You make him stay. If he leaves us, our family is broken?—”
“He won’t leave us. He promised me,” I said fiercely. “He promised, Cole. Fox always keeps his promises. OK?”
He stared back at me with wavering eyes before he visibly swallowed and gave me a tight nod. “OK.”
I didn’t like to see my tough horsemen so sad and vulnerable. In fact, I hated it. All I knew was that everything was falling apart, and I was doing all I could to hold onto the pieces.
“Come to bed,” I said gently, tugging him forward.
