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“What I know is that I wanted to surprise my daughter, and when I came into the house and saw a man who nearly killed her standing there half naked, my motherly instincts went on high alert.” She leaned forward in her seat just enough to rest her arm on the desk and meet Sophie’s gaze. “What were you thinking, Sophie? I’m truly trying to understand this. I know you’re an adult, but that doesn’t stop me from worrying.”
In her mother’s own way, she loved Sophie. That much was apparent, but there was a point where the woman had to let go of control and relax.
“I’m assuming you’re not getting back together with Martin?”
Sophie shook her head. “I don’t love him.”
Her mother stared for a moment before nodding and easing back into her seat. “And you love Zach.”
Tears threatened to prick her eyes, but Sophie willed them away. She thought she’d dried up at this point and she’d promised herself she wouldn’t break down again.
“Honey, he’s only going to hurt you.”
Sophie laughed. “Yeah, well, I think we’ve hurt each other. That doesn’t stop how I feel.”
“So what are you going to do now?”
Shrugging, Sophie tipped her head back against the chair and prayed for divine intervention. There had to be an answer, there had to be some way to make this pain less crippling and actually move on without feeling like she was moving through wet concrete.
“I’ll get through this and so will Zach,” she answered honestly. She wasn’t mentioning her thoughts on moving. Her mother didn’t need to know that little nugget of information. “I’m—”
The door to the main office chimed once again. Sophie’s mom came to her feet. “I won’t keep you,” she said, smoothing her hands down her crisp khaki pants. “Would it be okay if your father and I stop by later?”
Sophie pushed away from her desk and stood, crossing to the doorway. “How about I call when I get off work and we can go out to dinner or something?”
“I’d like that.”
Sophie’s office door flung open, causing her to jump back. “Oh, I’m sorry. I thought you were alone.”
“Brock?” Sophie took in the sight of the boy. Fresh new T-shirt, jeans that fit, without the threads unraveling, and shiny new shoes. This was the work of the Monroes. “What are you doing here? Is everything all right?”
His eyes darted over Sophie’s shoulder, then back. “Uh . . . yeah. I just . . .”
“Oh, sorry. Brock, this is my mother, Catherine Allen.” Sophie gestured behind her. “Mom, this is Brock. He’s been working with Zach.”
Her mother smiled. “Pleasure to meet you. I’ll just let you two talk.”
“Nice to meet you, ma’am.”
Once Sophie’s mom stepped out, Brock held up a folder Sophie hadn’t noticed he’d been holding. “These are for you.”
Confused, she took the folder and opened it. She flipped through the familiar images, then looked back to Brock.
“What are these for?” she asked, closing the folder. “I gave them to Braxton last Sunday.”
“Yeah, he gave them to Zach, but Zach said he doesn’t want them unless you deliver them.”
Sophie narrowed her eyes. “He said that, did he?” What kind of game was he playing? Did he honestly think she could face him right now? Did he truly want her to?
Sophie crossed her office, laid the folder on her desk, and turned back to Brock. She crossed her arms and leaned against her desk as she eyed the boy, who still stood by the door.
“What’s really going on?” she asked. “Why are you here and why did Zach really send those back?”
“I just told you. He said he’d take them, but only from you.”
Sophie continued to study him. The bruises had faded, revealing an adorable young man who might just have a promising future. She knew the guys were taking him to court this Monday, and Liam had called to tell her the judge had agreed to let Zach have emergency custody, provided Social Services found nothing in their home inspection and investigation.
“Are you staying with Zach now?” she asked.
