Dane takes my hand, leading me back out to the car and opening the door for me. When he gets in on the other side, he starts the car but doesn't go anywhere.
“What’s wrong? You went from excited to worried. If you don’t tell me these things, I can’t fix them.”
“Do you always fix everything for me?”
“Yes, unless you hide something from me, because you know I’ll insert myself.” That is not surprising in the least. “Please tell me, Kennedy.”
“You keep mentioning us leaving here. To me this place is all I know. I love the shelter and the girls there. I was even offered a job.”
“I hate thinking about you being in a shelter.” His knuckles start to turn white as he grips the steering wheel in a death-hold.
“Don’t be upset. I’ve met a lot of great people there. I wish I could have introduced you to Faith.” I drop my head, sadness filling me. Dane starts the car.
“We’ll go to the shelter now. I want to see it. You said you wanted to show me.”
“Yes! The ladies are going to love seeing the pictures of the baby.” Dane pulls out of the parking lot headed for the shelter.
“Why don’t you tell me all about Faith on the way?”
Dane reaches out, putting his hand on my leg while I tell him about the little girl that stole my heart. We connected so easily from the very start. I think because we were both lost. Faith doesn't think she really belongs anywhere. It’s heartbreaking for such a young child to think that. To not have the love and support they deserve. Even though I hate how I came into her life, I’m glad that I did. At least she has me and everyone at the shelter as a steady in her life.
“I’m really worried about her. I don’t trust her mother. One time I gave Faith books, and her mother tried to toss them out. Another time I found all the pictures Faith had made for her crumpled up in the trash. She’d been hoping to put them on the walls of their rooms.”
Tears start to run down my cheeks thinking about her out there with her horrible mother. “It’s a miracle something worse hasn’t happened to her. They are at Healing Homes because Lisa and her ex got into a fist fight from my understanding.” I swipe a few tears from my cheeks. I know Dane hates seeing them. “Which is crazy! He’s shown up looking for her and he’s giant. Nothing compared to how giant you are, but pretty dang big.”
We pull into the parking lot of Healing Homes. Dane unclips my seatbelt, pulling me over easily onto his lap as he pushes his seat back.
“You want me to find them? See what’s going on?” My mouth opens in surprise, but no words come out. I think I’m shocked by his question. “All you have to do is say the word.”
“Please.”
“Consider it done.” He finishes brushing the tears off my cheeks before placing a soft kiss on my lips. “Come show me the place that took care of you. Last time I was here I couldn’t get past the door.”
“Don’t take it personally. No men are allowed in unless they work here. Taylor takes that very seriously.” She can be like a Pitbull. I think the reason she hadn’t told me about Dane is because she wanted to check into it before I got my hopes up.
“It’s a good rule, but I was fucking pissed that night. I had this gut feeling you were in there. The woman at the front wouldn't tell me shit. Even when I showed her your picture.”
“I heard you that night. I was so sure I knew you. Your voice was so familiar, but I was scared I was reaching for something that wasn't there,” I say as I lead him inside.
“So you found her,” Taylor says as we enter.
“It was only a matter of time,” Dane says.
“Thank you for the donation. It was quite generous of you, but that still wouldn't have gotten you any information.” Taylor gives him a pointed look.
“Consider it a thank you for taking care of my Kennedy.” He pulls me into his side, wrapping his arm around me.
“Heard you all but kidnapped her.” Taylor keeps pushing.
“As I’ve said before and I’ll keep on saying, I can’t steal what already belongs to me.”
I can tell by the glare Taylor is giving Dane she doesn't much care for his answer. My body however heats, desire pooling deep in my stomach. That possessive demanding man I know he has inside of him comes peeking out when he’s challenged over me.
“It’s my understanding you’re not married.” Dane’s body goes rock solid.
“Merely paperwork.” His words come out growly.
“Faith hasn’t been back?” I ask, cutting into their stare-off and changing the subject. Taylor's face softens.