Amelia’s on Dorothy’s bed, snuggled against her and looking at photos. The sight is heartwarming and heartbreaking. I would love to give them privacy, but when Norah steps back into the room, I can’t. I can’t leave her alone with my daughter.
She clearly doesn’t know her boundaries, and Amelia is going to need to be eased into this. It was hard enough for her to adapt to finding out I was her father, let alone her mother returning. Too much, too soon. And Norah isn’t a woman that takes no for an answer.
“I should go,” Ember whispers.
“Stay.”
She opens her mouth to argue, but I silence her with a look. I’m not taking any arguments on this. It’s enough that Norah is back. I won’t let her destroy what Ember and I have finally found.
When Dorothy drifts off to sleep, I gather Amelia from her bed and exit the room without acknowledging Norah.
“I’d like to spend time with my daughter,” Norah says as we stand in front of the elevators.
“Please don’t make me.” Amelia hugs my neck tighter. “I want to stay with you and Ember.”
“Shhh,” I coo. “You’re not going anywhere.”
“Ryder,” Norah scolds.
“Not tonight, Norah.” Not ever if I can help it. “Today’s been hard on her. Let’s just leave well enough alone.” The elevator door opens, and I step inside. Ember is about to follow when Norah grabs her arm.
“He doesn’t love you, you know. He never will.” Norah’s words are meant to hurt Ember and make her doubt us.
Based on the look on Ember’s face, it does the trick. Ember yanks her arm away from Norah and steps into the elevator.
“Don’t let her take me. I want to stay with you and Ember. Always.”
“It’s okay, baby girl.” I rub Amelia’s back. “You’re not going anywhere, and neither are we. Right, Ember?”
It’s a dick move, putting her on the spot like that, but I need her to know that Norah’s wrong. I need to remind her we’re in this—together—and I know she can’t resist Amelia.
“Right.” She steps closer and gives Amelia a kiss on the cheek. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t get to know your mom.”
“I want you to be my mom,” Amelia exclaims just as the elevator doors open.
“Come on, let’s go home,” I say, ignoring the proclamation she just made.
Home sweet home.
Today was rough, probably one of the toughest days I’ve faced—and I saw a lot of shit as a Seal. Still, coming to terms with my feelings for Ember, watching my daughter suffering her mother—the woman I had once upon a time intended to spend the rest of my life with—appearing out of thin air is a bit much for even the toughest of men.
“Promise you won’t let her take me away,” Amelia continues as I tuck her in bed.
“She isn’t taking you anywhere, Amelia. I promise.”
Ember stands behind me. “This is your home, Amelia. You’re not going anywhere.”
“But in my dream, she did. Now she’s here, and I’m scared.”
I pull her in for another hug. “That was just a dream. That won’t happen in real life.”
“Will you stay with me until I fall asleep?” she asks.
“Of course.” I kick off my shoes and put my feet up on the bed. She rests her head on my chest.
“Goodnight, Ember.”
“Night, sweetie, see you in the morning.”