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I closed my laptop and buried my face in my hands. Doing things the legal way took time. No matter how hard I pressured my lawyer to compile the case against Eric and make a move on him, he claimed we didn't have enough to go on yet. Trying too early without enough evidence would result in our case getting thrown out and Eric gaining an advantage over Violet in the future.
But I wasn't one to sit on my ass and do nothing. Day after day, a little more of her shine dimmed, and I knew she wished to have a more balanced life. Although our time together was heaven, she was a grown woman who should be free, not a prisoner in her own home.
I picked up my phone. Tonight, she would be free to enjoy a night out. Eric was no threat to me, and he couldn't get to her as long as I was with her. I would protect her. She deserved a break from staying in all the time, and I would give her that.
My mind went back to the first time I took her out. She'd loved the restaurant and the meal. That was the first time she opened up to me. We’d come a long way since then. She was more comfortable around me, and any curiosity I expressed about her past, she was happy to share. Tonight's date would be different from the first. And I couldn't wait to see her face light up when I told her.
Immediately, I called my trusty event planner. She listened to what I had in mind, and by the time she was done adding her views, I liked what we agreed on.
“I will inform you once I'm done,” she said.
“Thank you.”
I ended the call and pushed off the chair. Violet would be happy to leave the house; I was sure of it.
“Are you...serious?” Violet's eyes held mine.
“I am.”
I found her in the kitchen spreading peanut butter on bread, and she offered me her sandwich and proceeded to make another for herself. I wanted to wait for her to eat her lunch first, but I was too excited to see her eyes light up. Except, the reaction I expected was far from the one I received.
“Shawn... I don't think I want to go out.” She suddenly found the sandwich she was making the most interesting thing in the kitchen. “I have stuff to do.”
“Really?” I sat back. “Like what?”
"Well, I'll be helping Leon with his homework, and I'm making flashcards for Brady and Wanda...”
“Wanda nothing, Violet. You're afraid.”
Her eyes peered up at me, but she didn't make a sound of denial.
My heart squeezed. I rounded the island and stopped next to her. She turned to face me, sadness pulling at her pretty lips. She looked ashamed. Probably because she was still fearful of going out, but that was the last thing I wanted her to feel.
"Hey, look at me." Once she complied, I said, "You're a brave woman, and you've been through so much in the past few months. I can’t believe how bright your smile is.”
She quirked one for me now, and I smiled back.
“I don’t want that smile to go out. I know you want to get out. I'm not sending you out on your own. I'll be there. Joined at the hip.”
“That sounds painful,” she teased.
“It will be for anyone who tries to take you from me.”
She sighed, blinking softly as if absorbing my words.
“Okay?”
“Okay.” She nodded. “Where are we going?”
I smiled and kissed her forehead. “You'll see.”
* * *
I stoodat the bottom of the staircase, waiting. Two hours ago, I’d received the call that our reservation was set, and I informed Violet to be ready by 7pm. It was a few minutes till, and my heart beat in rhythm with the clock. It didn't make sense for me to be nervous because I saw her all day, every day, but tonight was special.
I pulled on the sleeves of my jacket and arranged the collar. Despite the AC, I was starting to feel hot. I paced off my nerves. If she didn't come down soon, I'd probably explode from the—
Heels clicked, and I came to a stop. My heart ceased its drumming as I turned to face the stairway. Whoa. My throat went dry.
