As she pressed a kiss to Chloe’s forehead, the sound of footsteps approaching sent Sampson leaping off the bed and trotting out of the bedroom. Reba rose to her feet, holding tightly to Chloe’s hand. Chloe stood on shaky legs as Justin came through the open door. His hair was tousled, his clothing rumpled, and the uneasy and apologetic look in his eyes told her that he was just as lost as she was, which made it all that much harder. They stood in awkward silence, looking at each other from opposite sides of the bed. A nest of bees erupted in Chloe’s stomach, and she hated that. She missed her butterflies.
Reba hugged her and said, “I’m going to send everyone home so you two can have some privacy. We’re only a phone call away.”
“Thank you for everything,” Chloe said, trying to calm her racing heart.
Reba walked around the bed and embraced Justin.
“I love you, Mom. I’m sorry.”
Reba caressed his cheek and said, “You save your sorrys for the people who need them. I love you, sweet boy. Nothing will ever change that.”
Reba left the room, and Justin came around the bed with Sampson on his heels. She fought the urge to run to him, to tell him how much she missed him and forget all the rest. He’d been in jail because of her. Jail. She couldn’t fathom the idea of Justin in a jail cell. It burned inside her, making her feel weak and shaky. Justin stopped inches away. His chest expanded with his ragged breaths. The pain in his eyes was inescapable as he touched his fingers to hers. Emotions clogged her throat, stopping her words from forming. He took her hand and hauled her into his arms, holding her so tight, it was hard to breathe. She clung to him, inhaling his familiar scent, feeling safe and loved and able to breathe for the first time in twenty-four hours. Emotions swamped her, bringing an onslaught of unstoppable tears.
“I’m sorry, baby. I’m so damn sorry.” His words were drenched in sorrow.
He kissed her head, whispering apologies and affirmations of his love as she wept. Her well of tears felt endless, and she gave in to their anguish, and to their relief. He didn’t ask questions or hurry her along. He simply held her, soothing her with his words, his strength, and his love. She didn’t know how long they stood there, but it was long enough that when he pushed his hands into her hair and pressed a tender kiss to her lips, she had no more tears to cry.
He gazed into her eyes and said, “You needed me, and I fucked up. I am so sorry, baby.”
“You didn’t fuck up, but I did need you. I know you did it because you were protecting me, but I hate that you turned to violence, and at the same time, I understand and appreciate it.” She took a step back and said, “It’s all confusing. You risked your future because of me. No one has ever stood up for me, or loved me, like you do. I don’t know how to feel. This is such a mess, Justin, and it’s Alan’s fault.” Her fingers curled into fists and her nails dug into her skin as her voice escalated. “I trusted him, and he did this to us. And I messed up, too, Justin. I disregarded your warnings, and I hate myself for that. I swore I’d never allow anyone to make me feel helpless again, and because I didn’t see him for who he was, I put myself right back in that position.” She was shouting, but she was powerless to stop. “And what about Mike? Your parents will never let him move there after this. Alan’s ruined that, too! I feel like I’m drowning. I have to go into work to meet with human resources, and I don’t know how I’ll face anyone there. I’ve lost everything—my job, you, my self-respect—”
“Stop, baby.” He took her by the arms, his eyes drilling into hers. “You have nothing to be embarrassed about,” he said with unwavering confidence. “You didn’t do anything wrong. Your self-respect should be not only intact, but miles high. You cannot blame yourself for any of this, and for the love of God, turn your heart off for one fucking day. Give yourself a break and stop thinking of everyone else. Mike moving in has nothing to do with this. Take that, and any blame you’re