Holden's Resurrection (Gemini Group #6) - Riley Edwards Page 0,38

and Faith’s tear-filled reunion drained nearly everything he had left.

Kennedy had stayed by Charleigh throughout the whole ordeal. McKenna had stayed until Chad and the Towlers were taken into custody. However, when Jameson, Holden, and Faith arrived at the hospital they were greeted by the whole team, sleepy kids included. The gesture had hit him hard—they’d all come to welcome Faith home. No one except Nixon had gone up to Charleigh’s room, but in a show of support, they’d all gotten out of bed, awakened their children, and had been waiting for them in the parking lot.

Faith seemed to bloom under the attention. The girl was simply amazing. She passed out hugs, smiled, then very sweetly asked if she could see her mom.

Two things had struck a chord, and if Holden was being honest, both washed over him with staggering force—neither he’d ever forget. Even though Faith had gamely hugged the crowd, she remained close to Holden. And when she was ready to go up to her mom’s room, Faith had reached out and held his hand. It wasn’t until they entered Charleigh’s room did Faith let go of his hand and rush to the bed. But Charleigh hadn’t missed the handholding. Her eyes had done a scan of her daughter, pausing on their clasped hands. Tears formed that she’d swiped away before smiling brightly.

Nixon, Jameson, and Kennedy left shortly after Faith climbed up next to Charleigh and yawned. Surprisingly, the girl hadn’t fallen asleep—instead, Holden had settled into a chair and soaked up every word Faith said. The rambling commentary covered everything except what had happened. Though she did rat Holden out about her midnight snack. When Charleigh’s gaze went to Holden and her pretty lips twitched, his heart swelled.

Getting too close wasn’t smart, but it was too late. Faith Towler had wormed her way into his heart, and that hurt worse than all the years he’d studiously avoided her. Maybe he could play the doting uncle. Maybe he could spend time with Faith like Nixon did. Maybe he could come up with a cute nickname for her like Jameson had.

Maybe, just maybe, he didn’t have to give up Faith.

Or, maybe he needed to walk away now before they were all drowning in more pain.

The thought made Holden’s chest physically ache.

Yeah, it was way too late to pull away now.

“I’m gonna head home and let you two get some sleep.”

“No.”

Never in all his life had he seen anyone move as fast as Faith. She practically jumped from the hospital bed into Holden’s arms. Her limbs wound around Holden like a rabid spider monkey. Her little arms wrapped around his neck, and with surprising strength, she choked the hell out of him.

“Whoa, doll,” he wheezed.

“Don’t leave me.”

That was not a timid request—it was an unholy demand. Her voice was hoarse and full of panic, her grip didn’t loosen, and her body shook.

“Faith,” Charleigh started.

“You can’t leave. You can’t, you can’t, you can’t.”

She was working herself up into a tizzy and Holden would do or say anything to calm her down.

“Okay, I won’t leave.”

Holden’s eyes went to Charleigh and his lungs seized. Silent tears streamed down her cheeks. But when Leigh-Leigh’s gaze lifted and their eyes locked, Holden learned a whole new meaning of hell.

He knew his Leigh-Leigh. Back in the day, he’d made it a point to know her every look. He could read her body language and know exactly what she was feeling. She’d hidden nothing from him. His woman was an open book. And right then, he was transported back to a time he’d never thought he’d be in again. Only now, despair coupled with the longing he saw.

Yearning. Fear. Anguish. Hope.

Holden knew he had to make a decision, and quick. But with Faith wrapped around him and Leigh-Leigh giving him that look, he had no choice.

He’d tried to walk away. He’d tried to give her a life. He’d tried to do the right thing.

But he wouldn’t be able to do it a second time.

15

They made a pretty picture.

That was my shameful thought as the vision of Holden holding my daughter turned watery.

I had to remind myself Faith was home, she was safe, and she was unharmed. Patricia and Beatrice were in jail. So was that Chad asshole who’d hit me and knocked me out. As soon as I’d opened the door and saw Patty standing behind him, I knew I was in trouble. Actually, I’d sensed the trouble before I’d opened the door. All of my instincts