Avenging Us - Gina Whitney Page 0,46

daughter.”

When we returned to the room, Gia was back in bed, and that made me happy. She needed rest. Cindy sat in the chair by the window with Bella, rocking her back and forth. Jake, Ender, and Woody followed me in. I went over to pull the blinds closed—the midday sun too bright for Bella’s eyes.

Woody squatted next to Cindy and cooed. “Wee lil’ Bella.” We all laughed. Woody’s normally harsh words were soft and loving. It looked like Bella was staring at his colored hair.

Jake and Ender were at Gia’s bedside. “Fuck, kiddo. You scared the fuck out of us, but we’re thankful you’re fine and we have a niece.” Jake’s voice broke as his thumb caressed her hand.

“Agreed, but how do you feel? Is there anything we can do?” Ender asked, searching for a way to help.

She smiled, but I could see the emotion on her face. She was trying to be brave. For our daughter, and for me. The weaker she thought she was…the harder she fought. But all I wanted to do was take her home and away from this place. This place was a constant, painful reminder, and I was desperate to put it behind me. “I appreciate that guys, and I’ll heal. I’m just thankful for our little girl over there, and her broody father with the long face over there.” She pointed and smiled at me. This time, the smile reached her eyes. Because she knew. We’ve been together long enough that she knew how my twisted mind would fuck with me. However, this was also bigger than her and me. I had to remember that. This incident touched us all because we are family.

“I’m not brooding. Just tired.” I smiled, her eyes focused on my clenched hands then returned to meet my eyes.

She patted the bed to come sit next to her. “Come relax next to me. You look exhausted.”

I went to her side, hopping up on the bed. I wanted to tell everyone to leave. But I didn’t. I wanted to be alone with her. However selfish it sounded, it was something I needed. Jake was the second to hold the baby, while Ender looked on. The anxiety crept along my skin. I didn’t want so many people holding my daughter. She was too new, and they were filthy fucks. I didn’t think anything was more important than protecting those that were mine. That old demon niggled the back of my mind, and my hands continued to fist.

Gia weaved her fingers between mine. “I will ask them to leave. You and I need time. There is no shame in that,” she whispered and I nodded. She was right of course. “Hey, guys…I have to feed the baby. You can come back whenever you’d like.”

“Aye,” Woody’s eyes met mine, and there was understanding—compassion. Ender leaned in to kiss Bella’s head before Jake handed her to Gia. They said their goodbyes, promising to return tomorrow. Gia shot Chance a text next. I knew he’d take it personally but I couldn’t worry about him.

I pressed the remote, lowering the bed, and Gia put the baby between us. “So? Am I supposed to ignore the elephant in the room?”

I smirked. “I don’t see an elephant.”

“Don’t you fucking to that. Don’t you shut me out. I can’t help if I don’t know what’s going on with you.” A light scowl appeared on her face—the very face I’d been hiding from.

“I don’t know. I’m feeling everything, and you know I’m used to numbing. I’m trying here, Beauty, but you’ve always known my demons.”

“Call your sponsor. You know what you have to do. Get ahead of this. Don’t let this ruin all the work you’ve put into your sobriety. You were in such a good place. I don’t know if I could survive another one of your binges. If you can’t do it for yourself…think of her.” She turned her attention to Bella, who slept soundly on her side.

The joy of life has managed to break down everything I’d built up. I want the decay to wash away. But the pain won’t dissipate, will not fade, but only restricts. All this shit spun around my body, throbbing and threatening to pull me under.

I nodded. Yes, that was the most obvious choice, but I needed more than my sponsor. The sound of a throat being cleared pulled me out of my thoughts. My father. His knowing eyes locked on mine. He smiled, holding up a bouquet of flowers. My