AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Obviously,” I retort a bit too sharply, the words slipping out before I can temper them. “No one would just drop everything to lend a hand.” I shut the car door a bit more firmly than intended.
But fuck if this situation isn’t affecting me.
Chapter Thirteen
Ameline
There’s a knot in my stomach as the car rolls to a stop. I’m doing this for the kids, I remind myself, not for the first time. But it’s the truth. They need me, but I can’t be there while I’m visiting Izzy at the hospital. Once I know she’s safe, then I’ll come back for them.
Yes, it’s all about the kids. That’s why I’m accepting Gabe’s help.
The kids need this. It’s the only freaking thought swirling around my head while I gawk at what’s going down right before my eyes.
We pull up to an imposing mansion situated right on Lake Washington. It’s a striking blend of sleek, modern architecture and timeless elegance. Massive floor-to-ceiling windows show off killer views and make the breathtaking outdoor scenery feel like part of the interior. Meticulous gardens surround the palatial estate, looking like something out of a luxury magazine shoot.
Without a doubt, it’s a beautiful property, but between the massive size and opulent features, it feels intimidating and overwhelming. I can’t help wishing I was back in the cozy comfort of my New York apartment. Home.
“So, whose place is this?” I wonder if his parents moved out from his childhood home or if one of his siblings lives here.
Maybe Jude married, or . . . that doesn’t sound right. Gabe said he shares the penthouse with Jude. And I’m pretty sure Lyric would’ve mentioned something like that during last night’s conversation.Then, who lives here? A cousin, friend, or maybe his new girlfriend. That would be something, if I catch him dating.
“Before you continue wondering, the answer is Piper’s,” Gabriel clarifies, and I swallow down the bitterness threatening to rise in my throat. Now, I’m meeting yet another one of the people closest to him. It confirms that I was never important enough to be part of his inner circle before.
Okay, I’m bitter, and it’s clear that I have unresolved issues.
Should I call my therapist to make an appointment or consider this an emergency and try her direct line? Gideon could help, but then I would have to tell him everything and I’m not willing to do that.
No, he wouldn’t give two fucks about this either. Earlier he reminded me how I should just pack my shit and head back home. Izzy and the children be damned. They haven’t cared for me. Why should I be here trying to figure out how to help my ill sister?
The neighbor couldn’t tell me what happened to Izzy, just that the ambulance came, and Cora carried her baby brother to her house.
Cora seems like a pretty self-sufficient child, and I don’t like that one bit. It means that her mother has neglected her and she has been figuring out how to provide for her and probably Caleb too. The thought twists my stomach.
“Are you sure Piper will be okay taking care of them?” I ask Gabe, glancing back at the sleeping children.
He nods. “Yeah. She’s our best option. I would ask Mom, but she spent all night helping my cousin Grace with her newborn. Also, we need to have a big discussion about you before I can entrust our little ones or even you with her.”
I open my mouth and close it. He said our little ones? That’s . . . I probably misheard him and he meant just little ones. Me. He doesn’t have to entrust me to anyone. But since he’s the only person who can help me with Cora and Caleb, I don’t start a big fight.
“I really don’t want to impose, Gabe.” Or talk to Pria. She was very nice, but she never really thought I was good enough for Gabe.
Gabe opens his mouth but before he can respond, Cora’s little voice pipes up from the back seat. “Whese Mommy?” Her small face scrunches with distress, lower lip wobbling. My heart cracks at her lost expression.
Gabe and I exchange a look. We’re both thinking the same thing—how do we explain this to a little girl who just wants her mom?
Gabe twists around to meet her eyes. “She’s at the doctor’s right now, sweetie. But we’re going to take good care of you until she comes back.”
He’s out of the car and at her side almost immediately.
Her little chin starts to tremble. “I wan Mommy,” she whimpers, her voice breaking.
“Hey, it’s okay. I’ve got you,” Gabe reassures her, unstrapping her from the car seat and lifting her into his arms. Cora clings to him, like a little koala.
“I’ll take the baby inside,” I murmur, focusing on carefully maneuvering Caleb’s heavy car seat out of the SUV. “We’re gonna be alright, little man. I don’t know how yet, but I promise you’ll be just fine.”
I sneak a glance at Gabe comforting Cora, my ovaries practically exploding. He looks so paternal and sexy, my hormones are in overdrive picturing him as a doting father. I have to grip the carrier tighter to keep from jumping his bones right here.
Get it together, I scold myself, though visions of a little girl with his light-brown curls and heart-melting grin dance through my head. Would he have been this caring with our daughter too? Spoiling his little princess?
