Holden's Resurrection (Gemini Group #6) - Riley Edwards Page 0,36

their eyes. One thing my mother was right about was, Holden’s friends would get sick of all the drama and chaos I brought to the group. They wouldn’t all abandon me at once, but they would start to distance themselves from me.

I pressed the call button and put the phone up to my ear.

“Did they kick those assholes out? Swear to God, if they’ve upset her, I will—”

“It’s me,” I cut him off.

Tears pricked my eyes but inside warmth bloomed. That was my Holden, the old Holden, the one who had shielded me from everything. Hearing his fury on my behalf made me remember all that I lost.

Will the pain ever go away?

“Are they gone?” he asked. His tone was much softer than it’d been.

“Yeah, Jonny threatened to arrest my mother. In true Zoe fashion, she said her parting shot and walked out like she owned the place and it was her decision. How’s Faith? What did the doctor say?”

That was what had started the whole argument with my mother earlier. Faith had to be checked out by a physician, and since I wasn’t there in person to consent, I had to assign Holden medical power of attorney. I hadn’t thought twice about it when I was brought the papers to sign. He was with her and I trusted him to do right by her. My mother had gone ballistic.

“She’s fine.” I could hear the smile in his voice and tried my best to ignore it. “They found doxylamine in her system. It’s an antihistamine and the main side effect is drowsiness, which explains her ten-hour nap. She’s awake but groggy. Sheriff Knox understands that Faith’s not to be questioned until you’re present. The Towlers are being held in Albemarle County until Jonny can arrange to have them brought back to Kent County. Jameson and Rhode caught Chad sneaking out the back. He’s in county lock-up as well. All three of them have clammed up and asked for lawyers. McKenna should’ve already been in contact with your attorney to explain the situation and Jonny has filed for a restraining order. As soon as the judge signs it, he’ll bring you the paperwork. That will be for both you and Faith. Even though we don’t believe you or Faith are in danger with the Towlers in custody, Jonny has posted a deputy outside your door and he made arrangements with the hospital to allow Faith to remain in your room with you for the duration of your stay. As soon as Faith’s doctor signs her discharge papers, we’ll be on our way back to you.”

She’s fine.

Faith was fine.

That was all I could process. The rest—all the arrangements Jonny had made—barely filtered in. Not because I wasn’t grateful, but because my baby was okay and that took up everything I had left.

“How much did she see?”

“Leigh-Leigh, honey, I haven’t asked and I won’t. She’ll need her mama when she talks about that. Right now, all we’re doing is test what flavor Jell-O she likes best and slowly getting something in her belly. So far, she likes strawberry the best and spit out the lime. Everyone’s taking good care of her. One of the nurses went to the pediatric unit and brought her down a stuffed sloth and a book. Between Jell-O tastings, we’ve been learning about the rainforest.”

I felt it happening. My throat clogged with emotion and the sob tore from my soul. Holden was reading to my baby, feeding her Jell-O, and taking care of her discharge paperwork. No one had ever cared for Faith like that but me. God, why did it have to be Holden who was taking care of her? Why was I still being punished? I was supposed to be untying myself, falling out of love, and now I’d never forget the kindness he was showing Faith. I’d never, ever forget he’d rescued her.

“Charleigh?” he called.

“Thank you.”

“There’s nothing to thank me for.”

He was wrong. There was so much gratitude welling up inside of me it was overwhelming. Faith was safe. She was being well cared for in my absence. And she was coming home.

14

“Holden?”

“Yeah, doll?”

Holden looked over at Faith when she didn’t continue, her pretty face illuminated by the screen of his phone. He was sitting in the back seat of Jameson’s truck next to the little girl, something she’d demanded with a savage scream. Without another thought, Holden had gathered Faith in his arms and held her until her little body stopped shaking with fear, then