Brooke
“What is it?” I could see the change in his expression almost immediately. Blake never seemed to worry, but right now he was.
“That was my brother.” He swallowed as he sat back down beside me. “He was calling about your ex-husband.”
“Ok.” My heart started to pound. Blood rushed in my ears, making it hard to hear.
“It’s gonna be ok.” Blake’s voice broke through. “You’re safe here.” He placed Ava back in her carrier on her floor, and wrapped his arms around me. I was shaking, and didn’t even know it. “I’m not going to let him hurt you anymore.” His voice was hard, like nothing I’d heard from him ever.
“Why won’t he just leave us alone?” I cried. I was so tired of this. I’d done everything right. I’d left. I divorced him. I didn’t ask for anything. I only took clothes with me. I was living without his help. He wasn’t even helping with Ava.
“Men like him have a need to control. He doesn’t like the fact that he can’t control you anymore.” Blake began rocking us. “We’re going to figure this out. Promise.” ooooooooo
That night, I slept in Blake’s bed. He made up the couch in his home office, and he slept in there. I knew it couldn’t have been comfortable, but he insisted. Ava slept on a small pallet made up of blankets on the floor beside me. It was one of the few nights that I didn’t dream of Warren.
Blake’s bed smelled just like him: soap and a woodsy cologne. I snuggled under the down comforter, and stared out the window at the falling snow. I don’t know when I fell asleep, but the next thing I remembered was waking up on my own.
I scrambled to look over the edge of the bed since I hadn’t heard Ava cry, but she wasn’t there. Fear took over and common sense flew out the window. I flung the covers back, and rushed out of the room.
When I reached the end of the hallway, I skidded to a stop, my socks sliding on the wooden floor. Soft music was playing, and Blake was swaying around the room with Ava tucked against his chest. Tears sprung to my eyes. This was something I’d pictured years ago when I’d first thought about having a baby. I wanted to wake up to my husband bonding with our child. I knew that would never happen with Warren, but I’d hoped I could change his mind. Now, it was happening, in the strangest of ways. Here was a man who wasn’t my child’s father, but he seemed to want to be. He was a natural in every way with her, and my heart opened a little more to him each time he did something like this.
“I didn’t want to wake you.” He smiled as he spun around, yawning in the process.
“I can take her.” I stepped closer and held out my arms.
“It’s fine.” He brushed me off. “I changed her, and gave her a bottle. We’re good.” He smiled. “There’s some breakfast in the kitchen. Help yourself.” He tipped his head to the right.
“Thanks.” I shuffled around the corner and immediately smelled coffee. Blake had left a plate of fruit out with some bagels and cream cheese. There was a mug sitting on the counter with a sugar bowl nearby.
“I hope milk is ok. I don’t keep cream in the house,” he called.
I pressed my lips together to keep from crying. He was going to make me lose it. “Milk is fine,” I choked out. I made a cup of coffee for myself, and grabbed a piece of melon. This man was too perfect. Here I was wearing an oversized pair of his scrubs, eating breakfast that he’d prepared, while he took care of my daughter. I almost pinched myself to make sure it was all real.
“Once you’re finished, we’re going to go back to the house to discuss a plan with Donna. I think Cal wants to make sure that you feel safe there.” Blake was now leaning against the counter, watching me.
Ok.” I nodded. “It won’t take me long to get ready.” I finished the melon, and carried my coffee back to Blake’s room. My clothes from the night before were draped over a chair in the corner. It didn’t take me but a few minutes to dress, and then I was back in the living room.
“Ready.” I forced a smile. I wasn’t sure how I was supposed to feel about all of this. Scared? Angry? I’d been feeling those emotions for so long that I was tired of them. I wanted to feel happiness. I’d seen it in glimpses, but I wanted more. I wanted a lifetime of it, and the more time I spent with Blake, the more I wanted it with him.
Chapter 24
Brooke
It’s been two weeks since Warren got out on bail. It’s been rather quiet around here, and dare I say normal. Cal was coming by pretty often, but when Warren didn’t make an appearance, he cut back. Blake’s been over many times, but he’s working a double today. Donna has been even more vigilant, and I rarely leave the house. Roni called just a few days ago, and let me know that the OP had been extended, and to call 911 if Warren showed up. It’s made me a little on edge to tell you the truth. As much as I want to make sure I’m safe, I feel like I’m the one who’s done something wrong. I’m living as if I’m the one in trouble.
Christmas is in just a few days and Blake has invited me to spend some time with him. I told him I
