AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I pulled up into the driveway, "Home sweet home."
37
MOLLY
When I got the call that Hailey had been found safe and sound, I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I practically collapsed into a puddle of relief and joy, tears streaming down my face as I thanked the heavens and anyone else who might be listening.
I rushed over to Jake's place, my heart pounding with anticipation. I couldn't wait to see Hailey, to wrap her in my arms and never let her go. And Jake... well, I knew we had a lot to talk about, a lot of apologies to make and wounds to heal.
But I was ready, ready to fight for what we had and make things right.
Except when I got there, Jake was deep in conversation with Officer Rodriguez.
"Thanks again for your help, Ricky. I really appreciate it," Jake said, shaking the officer's hand.
"It's no problem. I'm just glad Hailey is safe. I'll leave you two to catch up," the officer said, smiling at us both before turning and heading down the driveway.
"Hi," I said softly, climbing the steps to stand before Jake.
He turned to me, his eyes filled with a swirl of emotions. "Hi, Molly."
"I'm so glad Hailey's safe," I said, my voice trembling slightly.
Jake nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Me too. Come on inside."
I followed him into the house, my nerves buzzing with anticipation and a touch of apprehension. We stood in the living room, an awkward silence stretching between us.
"Can I get you anything? Coffee, tea?" Jake offered, his tone strained.
I shook my head. "No, I'm okay. Thanks. Where's Hailey now?" I asked surprised he let her out of his sight.
"She's in the shower."
"Ah." I said, still feeling the tension from everything rattling around inside. The things Jake had said and done. It was all confusing.
Jake took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair. "Molly, I... I'm so sorry. For everything. The way I reacted, the things I said... it was uncalled for. I was just so scared, so worried about Hailey, that I lashed out. And I took it out on you, which was wrong of me."
I stepped closer, placing a hand on his arm. "You were doing what any good father would do— putting your child first. I know how much you love Hailey; how much you want to protect her. I could never fault you for that."
He covered my hand with his, his eyes searching mine. "But I shouldn't have pushed you away, Molly. I shouldn't have blamed you for Hailey's choices, for her actions. That wasn't fair, and it wasn't true. I was just... I was drowning in my own guilt, my own fears of being a failure as a father. And instead of leaning on you, instead of trusting in us, I shut you out. I'm so sorry for that."
Tears welled in my eyes, my heart aching for this man, for the pain and the doubts he carried. "Jake, listen to me. You are an amazing father. Hailey is so lucky to have you, to have your love and your guidance. And I'm lucky too, to have you in my life, to be a part of this family."
He pulled me into his arms, holding me close. I clung to him, breathing in his comforting scent, feeling the steady beat of his heart against my cheek.
"I love you, Molly," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. "I love you so much. And I'm sorry if I ever made you doubt that, if I ever made you feel like you were anything less than everything to me."
I pulled back, cupping his face in my hands. "I love you too, Jake."
He leaned down, capturing my lips in a kiss that was soft and sweet and full of promise. I melted into him, into the love and the forgiveness and the hope that flowed between us.
We had weathered this storm, had come out the other side stronger and more united than ever. And I knew, with a certainty that went bone-deep, that there was nothing we couldn't handle together.
Just then, the doorbell rang, startling us both. Jake gave me a quizzical look before going to answer it. To our surprise, it was Mrs. Jameson from down the street, holding a casserole dish and wearing a warm smile.
"I heard about what happened with Hailey," she said, pressing the dish into Jake's hands. "I just wanted to drop off a little something to make your evening easier. It's my famous chicken pot pie."
Jake blinked, looking touched and a little overwhelmed. "That's so kind of you, Mrs. Jameson. Thank you."
