Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,214

next twenty-four hours letting you know the case has been dropped.”

“Thank you,” Evan says sincerely.

“You’re welcome. She bends down and pats Lexi on the head before turning back to Evan. “Take care, Evan. Thank you for being the father that little girl deserves.” Then, surprising me, she turns to face me. “McKinley, thank you for loving her like your own. Thank you for giving her what I know I never could.”

I nod. Words are not possible at this point. Lexi starts to fuss, causing Evan to scoop her into his arms. She rests her little head on his shoulder.

“I’ll walk you out,” I manage to croak.

“Take care of them,” she says when we reach the door.

All I can do is nod, again. My heart is breaking for her, and for me. My time is up. They no longer need me.

Chapter 54

Evan

Misty was right. The next day, I received a call from Mr. Fields that said the case was dropped. However, Child Protective Services would be by sometime within the next five days for their final visit. Turns out, they have to open their own case and, due to the suit being dropped, the home visits were dropped to one more. Apparently, at this visit, we will be notified if they too will be closing the case with their department.

McKinley cancelled all of her shoots for the week. She didn’t even bat an eyelash. She said she needed to be here when they showed up. I didn’t argue with her. My mind has been too pre-occupied with all that’s happened in the last few days. I’m not worried about the home visit. I know we’re good parents, my house is safe, and she’s healthy. They have nothing. No, what worries me is that once this is all said and done, McKinley will be leaving. Our agreement was for her to stay until we were sure they could not take Lex from me. That time is now.

I fucking hate it.

I want her to stay.

I too decided to let my crew handle things this week. We’ve spent all week together, the three of us, soaking up as much time as we can. We don’t talk about it, but we both know that’s what’s happening.

Lexi is asleep in her pack-n-play while McKinley and I are curled up on the couch watching television. Well, it’s on, but I’m not paying much attention. The doorbell rings and she sits up. “I’ll get it,” she says so quiet I barely hear her.

I turn off the television and stand. I hear Kinley greet Mrs. Allan, the social worker. Their voices grow louder as they move down the hall.

“Mrs. Allan,” I say, offering her my hand, and she takes it.

“Mr. Chamberlin.” She looks over my shoulder and sees Lexi asleep. “She’s such a good baby,” she comments.

“She is.” McKinley steps beside me and wraps her arms around my waist.

“Well, I’ll make this quick. My department is closing its case. We’ve found nothing that would make us think the two of you are anything but good, capable parents. I just need you to sign off on this document stating that and I will be on my way.”

She pulls out the papers, tells us where to sign, and shakes our hands. “I’m sorry for what you went through. You have a lovely family.”

Just like that, it’s over. There is no threat of my daughter being taken from me. Instead, I’m losing my wife.

McKinley sits on the couch and curls her legs up underneath of her. “It’s over, Evan. I’m so happy for you,” she says with tears in her eyes. “You never have to worry about anyone taking her again.”

“Thank you for what you did for us.”

“You’re welcome. I guess I should start packing, huh?”

“No,” I say firmly. “I don’t want you to leave. I need you here.”

She’s quiet for several minutes before she replies. “No, you don’t. You’re a great father. You know what you’re doing. You don’t need me anymore.”

“I do need you. I can’t do this on my own,” I tell her.

She smiles through tears. “Yes, you can, Evan. You don’t need me. I’m still going to come and visit. Mom and I are still going to watch her for you. I love that little girl. You can’t get rid of me that easy.”

“What about me?” I ask her. “You love my daughter, but what about me?”

The dam finally breaks as the tears fall over her cheeks. “Of course, I love you. We’ve been through so much over