I lie in bed holding Amelia a little longer than I need to as I try to figure out what I need to say to Ember.
When I walk into the bedroom, Ember is staring out the window. I insisted she sleep in here as a way to eradicate nightmares for both of us. Holding her has been the best night’s sleep I’ve ever had—even if she did sneak out on me that first night. I want the comfort and the security of having her with me. I make my way to the window and wrap my arms around her from behind.
“Hey.”
“Hey.”
“Rough day.”
She rests her head back against my chest. “How are you holding up?”
“Honestly? I feel like I had the rug pulled out from under me.”
“I’m so sorry, Ryder.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for. You and Amelia are the highlight of my day.”
She turns in my arms to face me, her hand cupping my cheek.
“I know that Norah being back has to be difficult and confusing. I will give you all the space you need to sort things out.”
“Space?” I hold her tighter. “You are the last person I want space from.”
“I just thought…”
“Whatever you’re thinking—stop. There is nothing for me to sort out, but there is something I need to tell you.”
I watch her inhale deeply and blow the breath out, preparing herself.
“This probably isn’t the right time to do this, but I need you to know. I love you, Ember.”
“Huh?”
I chuckle softly. “I said I love you. I think I fell in love with you the night we met.”
She shakes her head as though she’s trying to refute the words.
“It’s true, baby. No one has ever made me feel the way you do. I’ve never wanted anyone the way I do you.”
As if in disbelief, she mutters, “I-I love you, too.”
Words I never thought I would hear again, let alone say, yet they feel so right with Ember.
Everything feels so right with Ember.
CHAPTERTWENTY-NINE
Ryder
“Are you sure you’re going to be okay here?” I ask Ember.
I have a meeting at work, a client who is looking for someone. Exactly the case I live for. With everything that’s going on, though—Edgar, Norah—the last thing I want to do is leave Ember on her own.
“I’ll be fine,” she assures me, but I can see the worry in her eyes. I don’t blame her. I’m worried, too. “This place is more secure than the White House. No one is getting in unless I want them to.”
The doorbell rings.
“Hope you don’t mind,” I tell her as I head to the front door. Stepping to the side, I allow our guest to enter.