Page 126 of Carson

I lie in bed with my hands curled under my face, listening to them talk about something Mom and I never got to have.

A few minutes later, Dan hovers in my doorway, squinting into the room to see if I’m awake.

I lie perfectly still, closing my eyes.

His footsteps pad across my room, and I hold my breath. He comes to the bedside and sets something on the nightstand. Then he makes his way over to the window and jiggles the lock, making sure it’s secure.

“Good night, Luna,” he whispers before pulling my door halfway closed, leaving it open just enough that the light from the hallway cuts across the floor.

As soon as I hear him go back to his room, I let out a whoosh of air, tears springing to my eyes. He was just checking on me, making sure I had everything I needed.

I stare at the bottle of water he left on my nightstand … and I cry.

Because for a moment I was afraid. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get my dad out of my head, and now Tim’s there too.

“She’s tucked in like a bug in a rug,” I hear Dan say to his wife.

“Good. Is she asleep?”

“No.”

He knew.

And that’s how it goes for the next week.

Every night he comes into my room. The first couple of times I held my breath, but now I treasure every second of it. It makes me feel special.

Safe.

Last night he kissed his fingertips and then pressed them to the top of my head. I cried for two hours straight because it felt so fucking nice.

Dan is slowly making me feel safe in bed again.

Chapter Forty-One

Cole

My brother stares at the television; his arms folded across his chest.

“Did you ask her to come home today?”

“I ask her every fucking day.”

“Maybe Mom and Dad will give her a gentle nudge out of the nest.”

“Nope. I already asked and Dad said she can stay until she wants to leave.”

This surprises me. Dad doesn’t usually let people stew in their emotions as long as he has her. She hasn’t even made it down the goddamn stairs.

“I’ll go talk to him.”

Carson doesn’t argue, just continues to stare at the TV.

My dad and mom are working out in the garden when I get to their house.

“Hey, baby,” my mom says, giving me a kiss on the cheek.

I look at my dad. “Can I talk to you?”