I’d thought about Ford and Eve.

If they needed anything while I was gone.

What I would do for them once I returned.

“I don’t know,” I answered. “I think so. I’m sore still.”

“Sydney, I know you better than you know yourself.” She paused. “And I know you’re not okay. I can hear it in your voice.”

I couldn’t hide it.

I didn’t know why I was even trying to.

But now that it was out there, I couldn’t seem to rein the emotion back in.

“Gabs,” I whispered as the first tear fell, reaching toward the counter for a tissue and my phone, holding both to my face, “it was so scary.”

“I know.”

Once the first tear dripped down my cheek, there were so many behind it. My lips quivered; my chest pounded.

“The noise from the accident, the metal on metal, and then seeing Everly being carried away on a stretcher and Ford injured, and then the explosion of him throwing the chair and …” I didn’t tell her that Ford wasn’t Eve’s biological father—that wasn’t my news to share—but there was that too. I took a breath, my lungs so tight. “I honestly think it’s going to be a while before those images are out of my head.”

“I don’t think they’ll ever leave you, babe.”

When I glanced at my reflection, I didn’t see someone who was weak.

I saw someone who was surviving.

And as I cried to my best friend in my bathroom, the heaviness inside my chest started to break away.

“You’re probably right,” I told her.

“But do you know what will come out of this? You and Ford and Everly are going to be stronger, the three of you—together.”

I dabbed the tissue under my eyes. “You’re probably right about that too.”

“I know I’m right. Now, do you need anything? Booze? Chocolate? An escape car? A trip to Cancun? Name it, and it’s yours.”

I laughed.

It felt so good and was so needed.

“No, you’ve already done so much.”

She’d sent two massive bouquets, which were sitting in Ford’s kitchen, one entirely made of pink flowers. She’d had multiple meals delivered to me in the hospital. Not to mention, she’d sat with me and his family during Ford’s surgery.

“Um, hello? That’s what besties are for, which reminds me. I’m coming over tomorrow night for drinks. I don’t care if I have to sit with you and Ford and Eve on the couch or snuggle between you guys in bed. I’m there. I’m bringing multiple bottles of wine. I’m staying the night. And we’re drinking alll of it.”

I exhaled the largest breath of air. “I can’t wait.”

“Then, I’ll see you tomorrow. I love your ass.”

“I love you more.”

We hung up, and I quickly threw on some clothes and braided my hair, so I wouldn’t have to dry it. My face was a mess from crying, so I lathered on some concealer and blush, a little mascara, and I made my way across the garage into the house.

The smell of Craig’s cooking instantly hit me.

He’d arrived while I was gone, and I’d forgotten he was even coming.

“Chicken soup?” I asked as I walked into the kitchen.

Craig stood at the stove, stirring the large pot.

My mouth watered as I got closer, the scent becoming stronger.

“The one and only,” he replied. “It cures everything.”

I smiled. “Then, we’ll each take double servings.”

“You got it.”

I continued into the living room, where Ford and Everly were spread across the couch, an animal show playing on the TV.

“How are my favorites doing?” I asked, sitting on the small bit of cushion between their heads, running my hands through their hair.

“Syd, you’re missing the lions.” She reached up and played with the end of my braid. “They’re roaring all over the place.”

I kissed her forehead. “I’m here now, so I can get all caught up.”

Ford tilted his head back to look at me, staring for several seconds before he said, “You were only gone for twenty-five minutes.”

“I told you I just needed to shower.”

“And I told you to take your time.”

I winked. “I did. I even shaved.”

Tags: Marni Mann The Dalton Brothers Erotic
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