Page 44 of Cowboy
I guide Caoimhe and Saoirse to the truck, helping them get settled. As I start the engine, I glance over at Caoimhe. She's holding Saoirse close, her eyes scanning our surroundings warily.
"It's okay," I say softly. "You're safe now. I promise."
She gives me a small nod, but I can see the doubt in her eyes. It's going to take time for her to feel truly safe again.
As we drive, I can't help but steal glances at Caoimhe. She looks so different from the last time I saw her. Thinner, more haunted. But she's alive. She's here. And I'm never letting her go again.
"Where are we going?" Saoirse asks in a small voice, breaking the silence.
"We're going to my place," I tell her, trying to keep my voice gentle and reassuring. "It's safe there.” Once again, I see the doubt in Caoimhe’s eyes and it’s reflected in Saoirse's. Both of them have been through hell. I don’t even know any details but I can already tell.
I haven’t stayed at my place for a while, though I have someone come in once a week to clean. But I know the girls need this. I couldn’t bring them to the clubhouse, too many men they don’t know.
As we pull up to my house, I see Caoimhe's eyes widen slightly. "This is your place?" she asks softly.
I nod. "Yeah. It's not much, but it's safe and secure."
"It's beautiful," she breathes, her eyes wide as she takes everything in.
I help them out of the truck, noticing how Caoimhe keeps Saoirse close to her side. As we approach the front door, I can feel the tension radiating off both of them. Saoirse's eyes are wide and fear-stricken; her arms wrapped around Caoimhe's neck, holding onto her like a lifeline.
"It's okay," I say gently, unlocking the door, hating that the two of them are afraid. "No one's going to hurt you here."
We step inside, and I quickly disarm the security system. Caoimhe's eyes dart around, taking in every detail of the living room.
"Why don't I show you where you can freshen up?" I suggest. "There's a bathroom upstairs with everything you'll need. I'll place some clothes on the bed for you. I don't have anything that'll fit Saoirse right now, but I'm sure there's a t-shirt you could use.”
Caoimhe nods gratefully. "That would be nice. Thank you."
I lead them upstairs, pointing out the bathroom and the guest bedroom. "Make yourselves at home," I tell them. "I'll go see what I can rustle up for dinner."
As I head back downstairs, my mind is racing. There's so much I want to ask Caoimhe, so much I need to know. But I know she needs time. They both do. I've never seen a child so fearful in my life. I've always been protective of Caoimhe. As Dylan's sister, she was someone I would look out for. I'm not sure when she changed from Dylan's little sister to my Caoimhe, but she did, and I'll do everything in my power to ensure that she stays safe. I'm not letting her out of my sight again. As for Saoirse, she's got my protective instincts in full gear. Just as I would for Caoimhe, I'd lay my life down for her.
In the kitchen, I start pulling out ingredients for a simple pasta dish. As I cook, I can hear the faint sound of the shower running upstairs. I hope the hot water helps Caoimhe relax, even if just a little. I don't want to make a huge meal for the girls, as I'm unsure of when they last ate and I don't want them to be sick, but they do need to eat.
About twenty minutes later, I hear soft footsteps on the stairs. Caoimhe appears in the kitchen doorway, her hair damp and wearing one of my t-shirts, which hangs like a dress on her thin frame. Saoirse is beside her, also cleaned up and wearing another of my shirts.
"Feeling better?" I ask, trying to keep my voice light.
Caoimhe nods. "Much. Thank you."
"Dinner's almost ready," I tell them. "Why don't you two have a seat?"
As they settle at the table, I dish up the pasta. I place a plate in front of each of them then sit down with my own.
"Eat as much as you like," I say. "There's plenty more."
I watch as Caoimhe helps Saoirse with her food, making sure the little girl eats slowly. It's clear she's been taking care of Saoirse for a while now.
We eat in silence for a few minutes before Saoirse speaks up. "This is yummy," she says shyly.
I can't help but smile. "I'm glad you like it, sweetheart."
As we continue eating, I can see Caoimhe starting to droop, exhaustion clearly setting in.
"Why don't you two get some rest after this?" I suggest. "You can take the guest room. I'll sleep on the couch."
Caoimhe gives me a soft smile. "Thank you," she whispers as she cleans Saoirse's face. "Why don't you have the master bedroom?"
