Page 58 of Someone to Hold
“I should check on the kids.” My voice is barely above a whisper.
Chase doesn’t move. He gives me a small nod like he understands.
“You know where to find me,” he says.
I tuck the crutches under my arms and start toward the door, the scent of hay and cedar and something strangely hopeful trailing behind me.
I don’t have to look back to know he’s watching me go.
18
CHASE
“You don’t needto help me,” Molly says the following Saturday as I load the last tub of flowers into the back of the truck. “Iris said Jake’s available for any heavy lifting I need?—”
“I can handle your heavy lifting,” I cut in, sharper than I mean. She’s been trying to get rid of me all morning, and I’m damn tired of it.
“It’s the weekend. I’m sure you’ve got better things to do than?—”
I slam shut the tailgate. “Why are you still doing this?”
The morning sun filters through the cottonwoods lining the driveway, casting dappled shadows across the gravel. The air is warm under a cloudless sky, one of those perfect spring mornings in Colorado. Itshouldbe perfect, but all I can focus on is the way she keeps trying to push me away.
She stares at me like she doesn’t understand the question. “Doing what?”
“Refusing to accept help. God rest Teddy’s soul, but I’d like to knock his teeth out right now.”
She hesitates, chewing on her bottom lip. “It’s not his fault,” she says quietly. “I was pretty much fully formed when I met him.”
“I don’t understand.” I’m angrier than I have a right to be and frustrated that she insists on downplaying her worth at every turn. She’s strong and capable and deserving of every good thing this world has to offer.
“When you grow up feeling like the people who were supposed to love you are only there out of duty, like you’re a burden instead of a blessing, that feeling gets into your bones.”
There’s a hollowness in her voice that burrows into my chest. I want so badly for her to see herself the way I do. “It’s time for a change, Molly.”
“I’m trying,” she says, eyes flashing. “But every time I do, something gets in my way.” She lifts a finger, pointing straight at me. “Someonegets in my way.”
“I’m helping you,” I argue. “Heavy lifting and…” I take a step closer. “Dusting off the cobwebs. Whatever you need.”
She rolls her eyes. “I’m not a charity case.”
“I know that, but?—”
“If you really want to help me…” Molly says, her voice low. “Back out of the deal with my mother-in-law.”
I freeze. It doesn’t sound like a challenge, more like a plea she hadn’t meant to let slip.
“Fine,” I say before I can think better of it.
Her eyes flick to mine. “Just like that?”
“Just like that.” I shrug, not wanting her to see the weight behind it. The way I’m already half gone for her and her kids. How the three of them are quickly becoming the family I never knew I was looking for.
“Nothing’s finalized,” I remind her. “Linda knows I’m interested. That’s all. Have you talked to her about your plan?”
Molly looks out toward the gentle slope of the pine forest that borders the property. “Not yet.”
“Why not?”
