Until Arden

Chapter 17

Arden

WhenIwakeup the next morning, I realize that at some point in the night, Holden had climbed over me and is now clinging to Dash’s arm on the other side of the bed. They both look so peaceful my heart melts in my chest. I don’t want to wake them up, so I roll to my side and watch them, wishing I could freeze this moment forever. I hadn't even intended for Holden to notice Dash in bed with us. I figured he'd sleep through the night, and Dash would be up long before either of us, since he's usually the first to rise.

I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I know this is where I’m meant to be. I have the two most important people in my life right here with me.

All that's left to do is firmly put the past behind us.

Bubbles of anxiety brew in my stomach as I think about Shane. He tried to steal everyone I love, and I'll never let him do that again, not even for a moment.

I throw the covers off and climb out of bed, careful not to wake either Holden or Dash, and slip into the bathroom for a shower. Then, I pull on my favorite outfit: a squishy pair of black leggings and an oversized, pink sweatshirt. My hair is a knotted mess, so I pull it back into a sloppy ponytail. I'm not trying to impress anyone today.

I tiptoe out of the bathroom, darting to the hallway so I can get breakfast started. I need something simple, so I peek through the fridge and settle on scrambled eggs and toast. As I cook, I get lost in thought, trying to figure out what steps I need to take to permanently remove Shane from our lives.

I'm just putting everything on the table when I hear the click-clack of Dash's crutches. Holden remains close by him, watching carefully and warning Dash to be careful if he comes too close to any obstacles.

“Morning,” Dash says, flashing me a bemused smile. He's still wearing his pajama bottoms and a black t-shirt. His hair is also a mess, but it's a good look on him.

“Morning.” I pull out a chair for him, then grab Holden and put him in his booster seat. “I hope you're in the mood for eggs and toast.”

“I'm in the mood for whatever you have to offer.”

He winks, and I find myself blushing. I'd really like to offer him more than food, but we'll have to wait until Holden is out of the house—or at least sleeping in his own room.

I take a seat next to him, and he gives my knee a gentle squeeze under the table. I feel a rush of heat melting my core. He must catch me staring, because he winks again before digging into his breakfast.

While we eat, I try to plan out our day, but I can't gather my thoughts. Janelle already knows the situation and assured me she can keep things covered at Paddy's until we get things a little more settled around the house. I can't imagine convincing Holden to return to daycare yet, or for that matter, letting Dash out of his sight.

Dash seems to sense my anxiety, because he grabs my hand under the table and gives me a reassuring squeeze. “Today's a new day. We can do this.”

I nod, taking a deep breath.

After a quiet breakfast, Holden and Dash settle on the couch, while I gather the dishes and put them in the sink to deal with later.

Dash flips through the channels, settling on something with bright colors and talking animals, before putting his arm around Holden. Holden snuggles into the crook of his arm and rests his head on Dash's shoulder.

I watch them from the kitchen until my phone buzzes on the counter behind me and my heart rate spikes. Cautiously, I flip the phone over and read the message on the screen.

Jax: Shane is in custody.

I reread the message about a dozen times before I realize I was holding my breath. I let the air rush out of my lungs, and a tear rolls down my cheek. I can't believe it.

Now I just have to hope he doesn't wriggle his way out of it.

Jax: He's being transported to the Murfreesboro Police Department.

I look back at the couch, where Holden is still wrapped up in Dash's arms. I bite my lip and take a deep breath.

Me: I want to talk to him.

I don't know what I'm going to say, but I need to face him. I don't even want to think about what could have happened yesterday, but for once, he needs to face the full consequences of his actions.

Jax: I'll stop by when we have everything settled.

My stomach clenches, but I need this. Even though I'm sure he's going to try wiggling out of taking any responsibility, I need to see his face when I tell him I won't be afraid of him anymore. I need to hear his response when I'm finally speak my truth.

After what seems like an eternity, I finally hear a knock at the door. I take a deep breath, steeling myself, before I open it to Jax. He gives me a comforting smile before he steps inside, closing the door behind him.

We walk into the living room, where Dash and Holden are watching a cartoon together. Dash's arm is still draped over Holden's shoulders, and Holden is laughing at the show. When he sees Jax, he moves out from under Dash's arm to grab my arm.

Jax kneels in front of him. “How are you doing, buddy?”

“Good,” Holden says.

Jax eyes me with a raised eyebrow, and I nod. He smiles before lowering his gaze back to Holden. “We have good news. We caught the bad man. He won't be able to hurt you or your mommy or Dash again.”

“Is he in big trouble?”