Page 31 of In Hiding

“Twenty-four.”

With a gentle smile, Stevie set her hand over Sarah’s. “Then we have a lot in common. I was the same age when bounty hunters came to kill me.”

Of all the things she could have said, Sarah would never have expected that. “Bounty hunters?”

Stevie rolled her eyes. “My father, God love him, had a few enemies who thought nothing of trying to kill his daughter. It seems like a lifetime ago,” she sighed and chuckled softly. “Oh, don’t look so horrified. It’s all over now and we’re all safe, but I was young and naïve. I bet you were, too.”

Maybe they did have something in common. “I trusted the wrong person.”

With a nod, Stevie patted her hand. “Easy to do. Some people know how to hide their true colors very well. Whatever happened was not your fault. I know it.”

The words resonated deep within Sarah’s soul, bringing unexpected tears to her eyes. She covered her face with her hands and took a slow, deep breath, desperately hoping to hide the reaction but it was too late. A hand squeezed her shoulder and she felt Stevie lean in close.

“My troubles are far behind me, Sarah. Can you say the same?” she whispered at her ear.

Not knowing how to answer that, she said nothing.

“If you need anything, ask. For your sake, and the sake of your son.”

Lowering her hands, she met Stevie’s gaze. “It’s like you said, I’m safe now, and I would like to see my son.”

“Of course.” She smiled. “He’s eager to see you.” She turned to go, took a step, and then glanced over her shoulder. “If it suits you, I can suggest a counselor. We have a couple in the Crossing, but none better than Kate Jackson. She’s great with kids, too. Let me know if you’d like me to arrange it.”

Then she was gone, leaving Sarah in the quiet room to dry her eyes and gather her thoughts. To allow herself to imagine her ex-husband returning to her life would open doors she feared she’d never be able to shut. It was bad enough she saw his face in her dreams but picturing him showing up at Andersen House would only breed terror.

He’d done enough damage for one life. She would not let the prospect of his return haunt her. He was in prison. Locked behind bars of steel and walls of concrete and unable to get at her.

She’d know if he wasn’t.

Movement to her left made her turn and the sight of William brought relief to her heart. She smiled at his crumpled clothing and bed-mussed hair. The instant he saw her, he ran toward her and reached for her hand.

“Mama.”

Pulling him down to her, she wrapped her arms around him. Laying his head on her shoulder, he sobbed. Her tough as nails teen broke down, his grip on her so tight she couldn’t breathe, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I’m okay, sweetheart.” She stroked his hair.

He rested on the bed, his body sagging against her. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to make you fall.”

“Shh,” she whispered, rocking him from side to side. “It wasn’t your fault, so stop blaming yourself. Everything will be just fine.”

A shadow fell across the doorway and she turned her head to find Jake. The smile on his handsome face reminded her he’d saved her life. He crossed his arms and leaned against the doorjamb, his body language casual and calm. It was a complete contrast to what she remembered seeing when he reached her at the cliff. With a nod, he pushed away from the wall and left them.

“William, look at me.”

He sat up and gaped at her. “You called me William.”

She winked and wiped away his tears. “You asked me to.”

“I know.”

Sarah raised an eyebrow. “You don’t want me to?”

He swallowed, confusion clouding his eyes. “I don’t know what I want.”

Pressing her palm to his cheek, she brought him down and kissed his forehead. “You’re always going to be my little Will, but if you want to be called William, then that is what I will call you.”

“It was a stupid argument. I’m sorry.”

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