I head out to the kitchen to flip off the lights and water a few houseplants. The hallway is dark when I stroll back to my room. It’s heaven when I crawl into bed between the warm blankets and pull Juliette to me. I brush through her hair and say my nightly prayer.

  My lids soon grow heavy and slumber takes over.

  A loud crash startles me. A deafening thud echoes throughout the house. Juliette sits straight up in bed. The sound of glass shattering is followed by footsteps. I leap out of the bed and lock the door to my bedroom then grab my cellphone and Juliette. We huddle down in the bottom of my closest.

  “Mommy,” she whispers.

  “Shhhh, baby. Don’t talk.”

  My fingers shake as I dial 911. It takes exactly six rings for an operator to pick up. I rattle off the information in a hushed whisper.

  “Stay on the line Ms. King until we dispatch an officer out there. Do you still hear noises?”

  “Yes.”

  My body convulses in fear shaking so badly I can barley keep the phone to my ear. The operator keeps talking to me trying to keep me in a conversation, but I can’t focus at all. I keep Juliette clutched to my side in the back of my closet.

  “Get down.” A barbaric voice booms through the house.

  “Police officers are there. Stay in the closet until they clear the house.”

  “Oh, okay.”

  “I’m hanging up now, Ms. King.”

  Even though the line goes dead I keep the phone clutched to my ear in shaky hands. The noise out in the living room grows louder. Juliette climbs up into my lap burying her face in my chest with her arms wrapped around my neck. I feel her tears leak down into my pajama top.

  “It’s okay, baby.” I pet her hair. “The cops are here.”

  “I wish my daddy was here.”

  “I know. I know.”

  More loud sounds ensue before silence floats through the house. Loud foot steps stomp down the hall.

  “Open up, police.” Knocking on my door.

  I freeze not knowing what to do. How do I know it’s the police and not that bad guy. Why did the damn operator hang up so early?

  “Gracie.” I hear my name and freeze. “It’s Officer Stent. Cub Stent. I’m going to slip a business card under the door. It’s safe out here.”

  “Stay here,” I whisper to Juliette.

  “No, Mommy,” she screams.

  I begin crying in panic having no idea what to do.

  “I’m busting down the door stay back.” Cub’s voice booms.

  I kick open the closet door giving me a perfect view to the door of my room. I push Juliette behind me and huddle deeper into the closet. Cub or the man pretending to be Cub gives a few more warnings. It does sound like his voice, but in this state of panic I have no idea which way is up or down.

  The door tumbles into splinters within a second. The hinges blow off the wall with the door falling to the ground. Juliette screams out again and I jump in fear.

  “Gracie.”

  I look up to Cub Stent fully dressed in a police officer uniform. It’s his beard that I first spot and then recognize his brown eyes. He kneels down before me with a kind face.

  “We have them in custody. It’s safe.” He holds out a hand to me.

  “Mommy,” Juliette’s scared voice floats around the closet.

  “Come here, baby.” I pull her from behind me and place her on my lap. “This police officer is here to help us.”

  I take Cub’s hand and let him help me up to a standing position and then adjust Juliette in my arms. My legs tremble with my kneecaps wobbling back and forth.

  “You need to take a seat, Gracie.” He guides me over to the bed helping me sit down.

  Something catches his attention. I follow his line of sight to see he’s staring at several pictures of Amos on the nightstand and the ones on the wall. His jaw ticks with anger then he balls his fists up at his side.

  “Is…is something wrong?” I stutter out.

  “No.” He finally shakes his head. “I’m just glad you’re safe. Give me some time to make sure everything is taken care of. Pack an overnight bag.”

  I go to ask him questions, but he’s gone. I watch his wide shoulders as he leaves the room. I never realized how incredibly tall Cub is. He has ink all over his forearms and he’s very muscular.

  “Mommy.” Juliette tugs on my hair. “That’s Izzy’s dad. Do you think he’s mad at me?”

  “No, absolutely not, baby. Let’s go pack a bag.”

  I have no idea where we’re going, but I don’t spit that part out. Juliette clings to my body not letting me put her down while I rifle through drawers grabbing random clothes.

  “Doing okay?”

  I turn to see Cub in the doorway.

  “Yeah,” I nod and whirl around and notice the piece of clothing in my hand.

  Bright, red, lacy panties. Fuck!

  “Juliette.”

  Cub steps closer and I toss the panties to the back of the drawer like they are on fire.

  “May I hold you while your momma packs up? We will stand right by her.”

  Juliette eyes him up and down for several long seconds. Her stare stops on his gun and then bounces up to his brown eyes. She finally offers him a weak nod.

  “I’ll be right here, Juliette.” I pass her over to Cub with the Army hoodie tucked under her arm.

  “What do you have there?” He asks in a gentle voice.

  “It’s was my daddy’s. It’s my blanket.”

  I watch Cub analyze the hoodie trying to make out the letters.

  “It says Army.” Juliette unfolds the hoodie. “My daddy was a hero.”

  I swear for an instant I see tears well up in Cub’s eyes, but chalk it up to the crazy ass night and go back to packing. I listen to the two hold a conversation varying from action heroes to ninja skills. Cub’s laughter quickly lightens the mood in the room.

  “Okay, I’m all packed up.” I throw the bag over my shoulder and then scratch my head. “But I have nowhere to go.”

  I try my best to lace my voice with a jackass tone to mask the hurt.

  Cub clears his throat. “You might want to put more clothes on.”

  I peer down to the thin tank top and tight boy shorts. “Point taken.”

  I reach out grabbing Juliette. We disappear into the bathroom together. I pull on some loose sweats then toss on a hoodie. I’m adjusting the messy bun on the top of my head while Juliette pees. She darts from the bathroom barely pulling up her bright orange panties and all together forgetting to wash her hands.

  “Cub! Cub!” She squeals down the hall.

  I poke my head to see her run up to him. He kneels down in front of her. I can’t see her face, but her brown wild hair bounces animatedly.

  “I know you’re Izzy’s dad and I didn’t mean to hurt her feelings. I love her.”

  Her voice is laced with tears. Cub smiles gently down at her. He hugs her to his chest and when he pulls back he hands her a note.

  “She wrote this for you tonight.” He hands her a piece of paper.

  Juliette rips it open and reads the note. She giggles and squeals every once in a while. When she’s done, I make her go wash her hands even though she’s now had them all over Cub.

  He shrugs when she races off. “Had dinner with Izzy before a friend of mine stayed with her tonight. She passed me the note to keep safe for the morning.”

  “I think you just became her favorite person. She was so upset.”

  “So was Izzy.”

  “It looks like our girls are besties,” I laugh at using the term I used.

  “Besties for life according to the note.”

  We both share a laugh until Juliette is at our side. I grow uncomfortable with the silence lingering between us.

  “This is awkward.” I rock back and forth on my feet. “Are there any local hotels you’d recommend?”

  He reaches to the back of his neck massaging it deep in thought. “I have a friend who runs a local bed and breakfast. It’s actually who watches Izzy for me the nights I have to work.”

  “Izzy doesn’t have a mom?” Juliette interrupts.

  “Juliette.” I shake my head at her.

  “No, sweetie she does have a mother.”

  “Is she dead like my daddy?”

  And where is the magic disappearing spell to make me vanish?

  “No, no. She’s alive. It’s complicated and her momma only comes around certain times.”

  “Nice,” Juliette chirps sensing no boundary lines.

  “What do you think about the bed and breakfast, Gracie?” Cub asks.

  Again, I rock back and forth on the balls of my feet. Money will be tight. Savings account will be dipped into heavily, but what are my other choices?

  “Sure,” I answer defeated.

  Cub picking up on my reservation, tilts his head. “Are you sure everything is okay?”

  I wave both arms around to my battered house and laugh like a lunatic with hot tears stinging my eyes. “Just another fucking day in paradise.”

  Juliette gasps and then giggles.

  “Lead the way, Cub,” I blurt out.

  17

  Gracie

  “Gracie, this is Hart Richards.”

  I extend my hand to Cub’s friend. He’s a similar build to Cub and also has matching tattoos. His scruff is shaven and well kept and his dish water blond hair sweeps over his eyebrows. Hell, it’s long enough for one of those man buns. He’s not the type I’d go to for help. In fact, I’d be running the opposite way, but Cub seems to trust him since he babysits Izzy.

  “And who is this?” Hart kneels down to Juliette clutching her hoodie to her chest.

  My heart swells when Juliette thrusts out her hand like a grown adult and announces. “I am Juliette Marshall.”

  “Marshall?” He asks.

  “Damn straight,” Juliette pipes back.

  “Okay, okay.” I grab Juliette’s shoulders. “I’m sorry Mr. Richards. It’s been a long night. Oh hell, who am I kidding it’s been a long damn few years now. We’d appreciate a room and thank you for opening up for us this late.”

  The man freezes and then rolls into a fit of laughter. It takes him several seconds to calm down and wipe the tears from his eyes.

  “Did she just tell me damn straight?”

  Cub nods sporting a grin as well. Making me feel like an outsider to a very inside joke.

  “Let me show you gorgeous ladies to your room.” Hart leads us up to the third floor of the old house.

  When he opens the door I’m in awe. It’s like we were transported back in time. Everything is elegant from the rich wood to the floral patterns covering the bed and windows.

  “Gag,” Juliette says. “This is too girly.”

  I slap my forehead in exhaustion. “I am so sorry.”

  “No worries.” Hart waves me off. “This shit makes me dizzy, but it’s what the people want. I love the way the little lady thinks.”

  He shows us around pointing out the bathroom, how to use the T.V. because I mean what five year old can’t figure it out, but I’m polite.

  “We’ll let you be, Gracie,” Cub nods. “I live on the bottom floor with Hart, so if you need anything please let us know.”

  He hands me a business card with his numbers on it.

  “Thank you, Cub and Mr. Richards.”

  “Enough of that shit,” Hart cuts me off. “I’m Hart or dipshit or hell you can even call me bas—“

  Cub elbows him in the ribs cutting him off.

  “These are my people.” Juliette claps her hands together clearly enjoying all the cuss words flying around.

  “Point taken and again thank you.”

  They both exit the room and the door shuts a minute later. Forgetting about paying for the room I sprint to the door and pull it open.

  “Um…hey.”

  The men are only a few steps down the hall deep in conversation when they both peer up to me.

  “Don’t you need my debit card or something?”

  “We’ll settle up in the morning.” Hart waves me off.

  “Are you sure? I’ll just give it to you now?”

  Why I’m throwing around money when it’s tight I have no idea?

  “You’re good. Get some rest.” Hart winks at me.

  The man has lady skills.

  I drop my head fighting back the stress of the day and quite honestly the stress of the last five years. Tears burn at the backs of my eyes. I look up to see both men standing closer this time. I can’t help it and I’m tired of fighting back the damn hot tears. A few roll down my cheeks before I brush them away with the back of my hands. I steady myself before I speak again being more honest with two strangers than I have been with myself in a very long time.

  “The last five years of my life have been pretty shitty. Not much goes my way, but that little mouthy girl in there. I’m not high maintenance or a crier. It’s just this has all hit me hard tonight. Thank you for helping us.”

  The men both nod. I’m definitely stunned and not quite sure what to say. Cub finally steps up and shocks the shit out of me when he wraps me in his arms pulling me to his chest. The action does not help the fact I can’t quit crying.

  “No need to say thank you.” He runs his hand up and down my back. “We take care of our own around here.”

  “Mommy, they have a big ass tub in here.” Juliette’s voice drifts out into the hallway.

  I step back and dry my eyes one more time. “We have to keep the cussing to a minimum around that one. She’s a limit pusher just like her daddy was and the bad thing is she has just enough of his charm to get away with it.”

  “Night, Gracie.” Cub leans forward and kisses my forehead quickly.

  I shut the door in a numb state trying to process everything that just went down. It’s all too much, so I decide to say fuck it and go to bed. It takes Juliette several minutes to settle down. Her newfound excitement about Izzy feeling bad and missing her has her high as a kite at the moment.

  It’s well past midnight and all I know is that we will be two very tired girls in the morning.

  18

  Gracie

  “Izzy,” Juliette squeals when we enter the office area to the bed and breakfast.

  “Juliette.” Izzy bounces from her chair and stack of pancakes to run over to her.

  The two girls embrace in a long hug. They’re way over dramatic for their age, making it comical. When Izzy begins covering her heart and pouring out the friendship code, I step away.

  “Here.” Cub hands me a mug of coffee.

  “God bless you. I may need a few more to make it through this day.”

  “Nothing like liquid fuel.” He winks.

  “How’d you sleep?” Hart asks, carrying out two more breakfast plates.

  “Really good.” I look behind me to see who else is here, but it’s just us.

  “For you.” He nods to the plate.

  “Oh, you didn’t have to…”

  “Sit and eat,” he demands.

  Cub pulls out my chair. “Don’t argue with him. He’s a rabid beast.”

  “Thank you.” I take my seat and don’t wait another minute to begin devouring the food.

  Between bites, I take in the office and admire the beauty. Every single detail has been restored. It’s gorgeous. There are American flags everywhere from the original one. Then I spot the sign over the check-in desk reading, “Fallen Brothers Inn.”

  I look up at Hart who is studying me with intrigue. “Are you a soldier?”

  The question comes out of nowhere.

  “I’ve served. Yes,” Hart replies.

  “Thank you,” I whisper and then go back to eating.

  The girls’ chatter fills the breakfast table. My earlier hesitations about having Juliette start late at school today since we went to bed so late disappear.

  “He dared you to pee on him,” Izzy says, waving her fork around.

  Cub beats me to the question. “Excuse me. What did you say?”

  “This boy in our class bet Juliette to pee on the playground. His name is Owen and said only boys pee outside.”

  I cover my face not wanting to know where this story is heading.

  Juliette pipes up. “And I told him I pee outside all the time because it’s awesome.”

  “So, he told her to pee on him,” Izzy adds.

  Hart erupts in laughter at the conversation. Clearly it’s only a funny topic when you’re not a parent of an outside peeing child.

  “Juliette.” I look up at her. “Please tell me you didn’t pee on him.”

  “Nope she missed,” Izzy answers for her.

  “Juliette Amos Marshall, we will talk about this later. I was really hoping this topic would never come up again.”

  She hops down from her chair, cups my cheeks, squeezing them lightly. “Mommy, I’ve told you it’s so awesome to pee outside. You told me daddy did it all the time right off the front porch.”

  I bite my bottom lip trying not to laugh and can picture Amos if he was here high fiving her and all.

  I tap the tip of her nose. “Serious conversation after school.”

  “Kay.” She whirls around in my lap and begins picking at my food.

  “Can Juliette ride with me and my daddy to school?” Izzy asks around a mouthful of pancakes.

  “Please, Mommy, please?”

  “You don’t want me to take you to school?”

  “Kind of no.”

  I deflate back in my chair. “Juliette, they’ve already done enough for us.”

  “It’s fine really. It will give you a little extra time this morning.” Cub fiddles with his coffee mug.

  “Please, Mommy.”

  I take this perfect opportunity. “Only if you pinky promise you’ll never pee outside.”

  “How about only at home?” She counters.

  “Fine.”

  Hart decides to join the conversation at this point. “Peeing outside is awesome. I see nothing wrong with it.”

  “Hart. Shut it,” Cub growls.

 

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