But, each day, I saw some glimmers of her relaxing. An easing of some of that terrible tension she carried.
There was the rap of knuckles on the door. Ava-Jane instantly stiffened, but my gaze moved to Cole filling the doorway, and I smiled.
“Ladies.”
He was in black cargo pants and a gray Henley. So hot. I skipped over to him, and he caught me for a kiss. He smelled of gunpowder and the faint hint of perspiration.
He gave Ava-Jane a careful nod. He never touched her and always kept a respectful distance from her when she was visiting. She was still wary of being around men.
There was the sound of a car outside.
“That’ll be my mom,” Ava-Jane said.
“Ava-Jane’s going home today,” I told him.
He nodded. “Bet your mom will be happy.”
We walked Ava-Jane outside. Her mom was at the car, waving. Helen Jones was blonde like her daughter. Her concerned gaze was locked on her.
Ava-Jane spun to face me. “You’ll come to see me?”
“Yes. Tomorrow. And you’re welcome here whenever you want.” I hugged her and then whispered in her ear, “you’re stronger than anyone I know.”
“I don’t feel strong,” she whispered back.
“It’s not about being tough and unbreakable. It’s about showing up each day, even when you don’t want to. It’s about asking for and accepting help when you need it.”
She hugged me hard, then turned and walked toward the car.
Cole wrapped an arm around me. Together, we watched them drive away.
“How was your training?” I asked.
“Good. How was your jewelry making?”
“Good. I’ve got lots of stock now, and I have some exciting news.” I clapped my hands together. “Bastian dropped by today. He wants me to open a small pop-up store near the casino food court! He said they get a younger crowd through there, who he thinks will love my jewelry. And he bought a silver bangle for Lark. I’m going to call my store Designs by Lili.”
He grinned down at me. “Proud of you, sunshine.”
Cole had given me so much. Safety, security, happiness, love. Making a life with him felt so right.
“I did promise to help Landon with the books at the clinic today.”
Cole made a sound. “His office is even messier than mine was. Bastian helps him out sometimes and bitches about it.”
“I don’t mind. I want to help. I like being able to give back in some small way. Will you give me a ride?”
“Always.”
I leaned into him. My man. The one I’d love when I was old and gray. The man I knew would hold and protect my heart until my dying breath.
“Let me get my laptop bag.”
CHAPTER 28
COLE
Landon’s clinic was busy.
