Page 40 of I Saved Him Too

“I love you too, brother.”

After Ash disappears down the stairs, I walk back into the room to find Shorty in the same position I left her. As I draw nearer, I notice her eyes are shut.

She’s fallen asleep.

I sigh in relief.

My girl looks so small and vulnerable.

I grab a throw Mom left for her in the room and cover her. I lean down and kiss her cheek. After making sure she’s comfortable, I walk to the door. With my hand on the doorknob, I take one more glance over my shoulder, hating having to leave her side, even if it’s just for a minute. With a heavy sigh, I leave the room.

When I make my way to the den, I hear Sophie babbling cheerfully. I walk into the den and find Dad bouncing Sophie on his knee, dangling toy keys in front of her. I lean against the frame and watch him love this little girl as if she were his own.

“Hey, son,” Dad says when he finally notices me.

“Hey, Dad.” Sophie flaps her hands up and down in excitement when she sees me.

“Hey, baby girl.” I reach out and take her into my arms.

“How is she?” Dad asks quietly.

“Not good.”

Dad stands up and places a hand on my shoulder. “She’s tough. She will get through this.”

“I hope so,” I respond, though I doubt it. Losing her brother obliterated her heart. He was her constant and her protector.

“Is Shorty coming down to eat?” Mom asks as she comes into the room.

“No, she fell asleep after her shower.” Sophie smacks my face and giggles. I munch on her fingers, making her laugh harder.

“Oh, well, that’s understandable. How about I make her a bowl of soup and you can take it up to her when she wakes up.”

I nod and hand Sophie over to Dad.

“Wait. Did you—did you help her in the shower?” Mom reluctantly asks.

I rub the back of my neck and take a step back. When I don’t respond, she gasps like she’s out of breath.

“Donovan Jacob Du Pont!” she whisper yells. “That is inappropriate. You should’ve asked me to do it.”

I glance at Dad, who’s smothering a laugh.

Mom snaps her head at dad. “Charles Nicolas Du Pont!”

“While you’re living under our roof, you will act like a gentleman. Is that clear?”

“Yeah,” I sigh, “I didn’t touch her like that, and Iwouldn’tdo that to her. I care for her too much.”

Mom’s face softens and her shoulders relax. “I know you do, sweetheart.”

“Just make sure you wrap it.” Dad chuckles.

Mom’s face pales.

“Oh, my God! Please tell me you didn’t defile that girl?”

“Jesus, Mom. Defile? Really?”

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