Page 88 of Grumpy Boss Daddy

I know he’s right, and I know that’s what I asked of him before. But now he’s suggesting it, it feels like he’s talking about never seeing each other again. I manage a smile.

“It’s going to feel strange without you around the house making a mess and getting in the way,” I tease.

“I’m sure I can carry on doing the same with Carly.”

“And I’ll never hear the end of it.”

There is a knock at the door, which opens and Carly sticks her head inside. She smiles at me.

“Can you come out here a moment, Elle? Someone needs to talk to you.”

Was it Luke? Has he come back? I give Ben a smile and squeeze his hand before I stand up.

“Behave. Don’t do yourself more of a mischief.”

“Charming.” Ben rolls his eyes but he’s smiling. “Sounds like you don’t trust me to sit in a bed with my leg in the air.”

“No comment.”

I leave the room, Carly closing the door as I move into the hall. Then I see Amy sitting between Luke and Grandma across the hall. Seeing her has me wanting to cry again.

“Amy!”

“Mommy!”

Amy jumps up and runs over, hugging me tightly. I clasp onto her, scared that she might suddenly vanish on me and this is a horrible dream. I pull back and clasp her head in my hands. Yes, she is very real.

“I thought I’d lost you.” My voice chokes, and I clear my throat. “You scared me.”

“I was scared as well, Mommy.” Amy’s voice is clear, but I can hear the tremor. “I won’t ever have to see those two people again, will I? Daddy said I wouldn’t have to.”

Daddy? I look over at Luke, but his face is expressionless. Did he say something to her? He must have done if Amy’s saying ‘daddy’.

“No, you don’t have to see them again. I’ll make sure they never come near you.” I kiss Amy’s head. “You’re safe now.”

“Grandma said that Uncle Ben was hurt trying to get me.” Amy says. “Is he okay?”

“He’s okay. He’s made of tougher stuff.” I look up at Carly. “Can you take her in to see Ben? I think he’ll be relieved to see her.”

“Absolutely.” Carly takes Amy’s hand. “Mommy’s going to wait out here for you, okay?”

“Okay.” Amy hugs me again. “I love you, Mommy.”

“I love you, too.”

Amy follows Carly into the room. As the door closes, Grandma gets to her feet. She comes over to me and gives me a hug.

“Well,” she says as she pulls back, “that was an…experience. One that I never want to do again.”

I can wholeheartedly agree. I look over at Luke, who has also stood up. He looks just as exhausted as I feel.

“I’m going to get a coffee,” Grandma declares. “I need something to calm my nerves.”

“Coffee to calm your nerves, Grandma?”

“Maybe a chocolate bar, then. I’m only just remembering that I haven’t eaten for some time.” Grandma glances over at Luke. “I have a feeling you two need to talk, anyway.”

So this was her subtle way of giving us space. I squeeze Grandma’s hand and she walks away. She’s barely gone a few feet before I’m in Luke’s arms, hugging him tightly. Luke cradles me, burying his face in my neck as he lets out a heavy sigh.

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