“Caleb …”
“I think I need to change my analogy because you are soaring like a bird, and I’m just the man who’s been privileged enough to see this transformation.”
I place a kiss on his cheek. “You’re so much more than that. I’m not sure I could do this without you.”
“Of course you could. You have no idea how strong you are, but you’ve had to be to endure what you have. But you never, ever have to deal with that bullshit again. You know that, don’t you?”
“I do,” I croak.
“And I’ll always be here for you—no matter what.”
As I close my eyes and breathe in the sea air, I wonder how true those words really are.
But I’m not about to question it, and I just breathe him in and enjoy the moment.
Twenty-Seven
Emma
It’s the legal claim to contest the will that comes first.
Our lawyer says they’re wasting their time. No court is going to give Malcolm’s assets to the church over his own family.
Malcolm’s death left me comfortable, and while my father could have applied for a copy of the will once it went through probate, it was vague enough that he doesn’t know the extent of the assets that were transferred to me.
The only thing he will know is how much the children received in trust.
“He’s doing this to put you off balance,” Caleb says.
“It’s working,” I mutter.
“The lawyer will deal with this. He’s throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something will stick.”
I nod. I have faith in Sean and the lawyer he’s involved in this. He’s handled anything legal for Caleb for years, and the two of them are close.
“Trust me?”
“Of course I do. I hate that you were dragged into this.”
Caleb shakes his head. “No one dragged me. Your father is a selfish bastard. We’ll head him off at every attempt he makes at getting at you or the kids.”
“Thank you for being here for me.”
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
Despite all the reassurance, I’m left feeling uneasy for the whole day. Caleb went to work like any other day, and although I told him that I was fine, I spend most of the day on the couch, Googling for other cases.
I don’t find anything like ours, but that doesn’t help to ease my mind.
And it’s obvious to Caleb when he walks in the door.
I’m not sure if he shares his concerns with Noah, but the two of them swing into action, making sure that everyone’s fed and before I know it, it’s time to go to bed.
Caleb climbs into bed beside me—I’m not even in the mood to ogle him.
He kisses my shoulder and places his hand on my thigh.
“You’ve been away with the fairies all night.”
