his arms, then holds out his hand for me. I slip my palm in his and he tugs me to my feet. Together we walk out of the clinic and head to the car. I feel exhausted, like I’ve run a marathon even though I haven’t done a damn thing but cry.
“I’m going to order dinner in tonight, what do you guys want?” Landry asks.
I shrug a shoulder, not feeling like eating a damn thing, not a single fucking thing. Sinking into the passenger seat of the car, I let Landry get Holden settled, not really paying much attention. I can’t think about anything right now, nothing except the name Aaron Anderson that plays on a loop over and over in my head.
“Honey,” Landry rasps.
Turning my head slightly, I look over at him. We’re stopped and I realize that we’re in the garage. I don’t even remember him starting the engine, let alone driving anywhere. Pressing my lips together, I shake my head once, tears filling my eyes again.
“Go inside, take a long bath. Do you want some wine?”
I shrug a shoulder. I don’t know what I want. I don’t know anything right now.
“Want me to call Bethie?” he asks, his voice tentative.
Shaking my head, I inhale a deep breath and focus my gaze on him. “I’ll be okay. I just need to process this.”
“I’m here.”
I love that he is too, because he is right here with me every step of the way and it’s the most beautiful thing that I think I’ve ever witnessed, aside from walking in on him when I had a migraine playing blocks with Holden.
“I know you are. Let’s just get some dinner and watch a movie?” I suggest.
He dips his chin in a quick nod. “That sounds good, honey.”
We do just that. We eat pizza and watch a movie. I don’t even see the movie, I’m just staring at the television, but every now and then I’m brought out of my daze by the stroke of Landry’s fingers as he slides them through my hair, down my arm, or laces them with my own.
By the time Holden is ready for bed, I am too. My eyes feel like concrete, they’re sore and itchy, and I know that they’re rimmed red and swollen too. After I tuck Holden in, give him a million more kisses than I probably normally do, I shower off quickly and throw on a pair of panties and a tank top.
Landry is lying in bed waiting for me and even as sexy as he looks, I have zero desire for anything more than a sweet and simple kiss goodnight. Climbing into bed next to him, I curl against his side and rest my cheek against his warm chest.
His arms circle me, he pulls me closer to his side. His fingers start to play with the ends of my hair that skim my waist and I close my eyes and let out a sigh. I’m exhausted. This day has felt like it’s lasted a lifetime.
“You know everything is going to be okay, don’t you?” he asks softly.
“I wish that I did, but I don’t and I’m terrified.”
There is a moment of silence and I think that maybe he’s fallen asleep, but then I hear him clear his throat.
“I will fight for you both. Have faith in me, honey. I will fight for the both of you and I always win.”
Lifting my head, I rest my chin against his chest and look up into his eyes. “Do you?” I ask.
He smirks. “When I want something. I get it. If you’re thinking of the fact that I allowed Susan to get away with what she did for so long, keep in mind that I did it for the kids, then it just became a routine. I decided on a change and I made that change. I’ve been winning with it all too. Susan thinks she’s got one over on me with this whole thing, but fuck her and fuck that.”
I love this man.
I truly do.
“I’m still terrified.”
He nods his head once. “I’m sure, but know that I will not rest until this is handled.”
“Okay,” I breathe.
His eyes focus on mine and he presses his lips together before he speaks. His voice is deep and husky, it rumbles through the room and his hand fists the back of my hair, gently tugging my head back.
Landry’s amber gaze focuses on mine and he looks beyond determined as he watches me. “I will not rest until this