“Not your fault. Now I wonder what it would’ve been like growing up with you.”
Drying the dish, I place it in the cupboard with the others. “To be honest, I’m not really sure what it would’ve been like. We were young, and I wasn’t ambitious at that age. I would’ve pulled my socks up and worked hard to support your mother and you, but I’m not sure what kind of life we would’ve had.”
He pulls the plug out of the sink. “It can’t have been worse than what we went through.”
“Yeah. I guess that’s true.”
“Besides, you really loved Mum … love Mum. He was … just so creepy.”
I nod. “Clearly I didn’t know the guy, but that doesn’t surprise me given the age gap.”
“That’s why we have to protect Kiera and Bailey.”
He meets my gaze and holds it.
“Your grandfather won’t get his hands on them. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep them safe.”
Noah nods. “I know you will. That’s the difference between you and him.”
Shrugging, I walk the short distance to the laundry door and place the wet tea towel in the washer. “Malcolm removed you all from that situation before anything could happen. Not saying he was a good guy at all—but I do wonder if the thought of anything happening to Bailey was a reason.”
“I guess it could’ve been.”
I walk back toward him and grip his shoulder. “Either way, she’s safe now. They all are.”
“You really do love Mum, don’t you?”
Thoughts of putting a ring on her finger make my heart race. “I do.”
“I’m not sure she realises that.”
I chuckle. “Well, once this whole thing with your grandfather is out of the way, I’ll show her.”
“I don’t want to know.” He smiles.
“Well, maybe when this is over, we’ll all go on holiday together and get a real break away.”
His smiles grows. “That would be awesome.”
“I really want you to come and work with me.”
Noah cocks his head. “When I’m ready.”
I pat his shoulder. “I know. Just say the word.”
This wasn’t what I planned when I left home, but to be honest, I wasn’t sure how this would go.
But I’ll be by Emma’s side as she faces this.
And I’ll do whatever it takes to keep my family safe.
Twenty-Three
Caleb
I never thought I’d be a man so happy with domesticity.
But with a second movie on, the kids sprawled out on the floor, and snuggled with Emma on the couch, I’m having second thoughts.
