Page 55 of Westward

Considering everything that had happened recently, I understood the fear.

“There was a leak, and they got behind.”

“Damn it. I should probably go help,” Teagan put in.

“They’ve got it, Teagan. It’s really okay.”

“Why didn’t he text me?” Teagan asked, and I understood her confusion. She was so used to taking care of everybody in her family, and when they didn’t reach out, that had to be stressful. But I was glad that maybe, just maybe, the Ashfords were learning to do things without relying so much on the eldest daughter.

“Come here, dear Teagan, I’m driving you home too,” Mr. Carter said. He looked over at me and winked.

“If my boy would let you go for a moment, I’d hug you hello, but I guess I will just have to wait until tomorrow.”

Laughing, I wiggled away from Atlas’s hold and moved to hug his father. He smelled of cedar, and whatever woodworking he had been doing with Bodhi earlier.

Once again, tears pricked my eyes, and it was in these moments that I realized that I was never going to get another hug from my father again.

Just like my mother would never hug me again.

Gwen and Jackson could stand in all they wanted, but I never would have that again.

And in that moment, I realized I was crying hard, and Atlas cursed.

“Come here, baby. I’ve got you.”

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

“You’re grieving, you’re allowed to.”

“I’m fine. I’m really fine. I shouldn’t cry at the drop of a hat over a silly hug.”

“You’re allowed to cry, or scream, or do whatever you’d like,” Gwen said as she slid next to Atlas and cupped my cheek. “My boy will take care of you tonight, but just know, if you want to cry on my shoulder, you always can.”

And with that, the tears fell harder. I somehow said my goodbyes to the others, with the passengers shifting so Mr. Carter could take everyone else home, while Atlas took me.

“I’m sorry for ruining the plans,” I hiccupped.

“Let’s just get you back home, and I’m going to tuck you in and hold you. You’re stuck with me.”

I wiped my tears and nodded.

“Okay. Maybe. But I really don’t want to be sad tonight.”

I squeezed his hand, letting out a long breath. “I’m just tired of being sad.”

We made the short drive up to his place, passing mine completely. Without another word, Atlas turned off the engine, got out, walked around the car, and opened my door.

“I’m carrying you into the house, and I’m going to take care of you. You’re going to have to deal with that.”

“Where’s Will?” I asked, wiping my face.

Atlas tucked me against his chest, and I held on tight, feeling like I was finally safe after so many years.

An odd feeling when everything was up in the air and out of my control.

“He’s working late because Rune is taking care of him, and then Rune will bring him back. We’ve got time.”

As Atlas brought me into his bedroom, I sank into him, holding him tight.