“I love you.”
“Clark sounded weird on the phone,” he said.
“What do you mean weird?” I asked.
“He said he would talk to me tomorrow,” he answered.
“Why is that weird?”
“I haven’t seen Clark in a long time,” he said. “And when we were on the phone, he seemed off. Like he wasn’t really talking. There was something going on. He’s not telling me something.”
“If you had to guess, what do you think it is?” I asked.
He blew out a breath. “I think he found him, and I think it’s bad. He’s probably waiting for confirmation.”
My heart hurt for him. “I know it’s futile but try not to think the worst. It’s not over until it’s over.”
“Thanks,” he said. “So, I talked to your dad for a minute.”
“And?”
“And he’s pretty happy,” he said. “I asked him about Stacey.”
“Really?” I sat up and faced him. “What did he say? I’ve wanted to ask, but I didn’t want him to think I was being a bitch and trying to rub it in. I’m so glad he’s away from her. I don’t want to do anything to push him back into her arms.”
“Her brother has called him a couple of times.”
“No,” I said. “Did they threaten him? I swear if they’ve done anything, I will not hold back. I will turn her ass in. She will go to jail for fraud. I will find a way to have her prosecuted.”
“Your dad didn’t seem bothered by it. In fact, he seemed relieved. I think he’s still happy to be away from her. I was worried he might be feeling a little lonely in that house.”
“How is he?” I asked. “He will always tell me he’s fine.”
“He’s good. Did he talk to you about doing some work on the place?”
“He mentioned it but not a lot.”
“I offered to help him out,” he said. “Once you approve.”
I smiled and gave him another little kiss. “I think that’s a great idea. I love the idea of you and my dad hanging out.”
“With power tools?” he teased. “Are you sure that’s wise?”
“Very funny. My dad does not hold grudges.”
“Ready for bed?” he asked.
“I am,” I said.
I could look at the plans and daydream about my shelter later. Right now, he needed me. I wanted to comfort him and help him forget all about the worries with his father. I got to my feet and reached for him. I pulled him into my arms and rested my cheek against his shoulder with my arms around his waist. I offered comfort through my embrace. With the way he was holding me and leaning against me, I could tell he needed it.
I waited until he was ready to break the embrace. He had provided more comfort to me than I could ever return. He had been my rock when my mother died. There were so many nights he held me while I cried until I fell asleep. He had been young, but he knew what I needed.
I hoped like hell his father was okay. I knew the pain he would go through, as well as the guilt. He would blame himself for not realizing earlier his father was missing. It would not be his fault, but he would take on all the responsibility. If that happened, I wasn’t sure I could pull him through the darkness.