I shook my head, pushing down my excitement at the thought of this being my life. Of waking up every morning in Lachlan’s arms. Of spending hours in this kitchen as I whipped up new, delicious treats.
Of being happy.
The image was so real I could practically taste it. But I had no idea what tomorrow would bring. Hell, I had no idea what life would throw at me in the next few hours. For now, I just needed to take it day by day. Minute by minute.
“Let’s deal with one major life event at a time, okay?”
“Speaking of which…” Her expression fell as she ran a hand down my arm. “How are you holding up?”
I forced out an anxious smile.
Today was the first time I’d seen her since she came over to my house immediately after I visited Nick in prison. We talked on the phone and texted as she constantly checked in on me. But when shit hit the fan, she knew the last thing I wanted was a house full of friends and family making sure I was all right. It was why she was such a good friend. She knew when I needed her.
And also when I needed myself.
“All things considered, I’m…okay.”
“And Lachlan’s okay, too?”
“He’s worried. Didn’t want to leave. But, as I’m sure you noticed, the security here is extremely tight.”
“You’ve got that right.” She rolled her eyes. “I thought the cops down at the gate were going to ask to strip-search me. I was getting ready to bend and spread, if you know what I mean.”
I barked out a laugh.
Only Naomi could bring humor to an otherwise shitty situation.
“Nikko also flew out to stay with us, so that’s given Lachlan some peace of mind.”
“Where is he?”
“In the home gym teaching Imogene some jiu-jitsu. So I’m sure she’ll want to start taking classes to add to her already hectic schedule.”
“It’s good for her to know how to defend herself.”
While I hated the idea of my little girl ever being in a situation where she had to, I didn’t want her to make the same mistakes I did. Wanted her to be strong, independent, able to speak up for herself when she felt something was wrong.
“Well, I’m glad you’re all safe. That you’re not letting all this bullshit get to you.”
“I need to live my life. Imogene needs to live hers. We’ve had to make some adjustments, but he doesn’t get to control us. Not anymore.”
Naomi wrapped her arms around me, pulling me in for a tight hug. “Damn straight he doesn’t.”