Just You & Me: A Single-Mom Standalone (Wherever We Go Book 1) by Y.V. Larson

Author:Y.V. Larson [Larson, Y.V.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-11-27T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-One

JACKSON

I know nothing.

It's a humbling experience.

Yet, I am so lost and really freaking terrified.

"Layla..." Rylee begins, but Layla's gasp of horror as she shoves her way out of Leo's hold will haunt me forever.

"No, please don't!" Scrambling over to her mom, Layla begins breathing heavily as she places herself between us and the chair Rylee is in.

I look to Jude, hoping he fixes whatever this is. It was his idea to bring them both flowers. "I-Don't what, sweetheart?" His hands are up in surrender, a wide-eyed look only aiding the panic of the situation.

“Layla, it's okay." Rylee's attempt at soothing her daughter goes unnoticed by the trembling girl trying to shield her mom.

"No! Please don't hurt my mommy!"

I freeze.

Everything freezes.

My bodily functions stutter and gag on their life force.

Please don't hurt my mommy.

"I—" Jude's voice sounds choked, making my throat close up with emotion. I lean into him. Whether it's to offer him support or seek out his warmth, I have no idea. "Layla, I would never hurt your mom. I promise."

Whatever she must see in Jude's face has her hesitating, giving me the confidence to step in. "We would never ever hurt Rylee. I promise you, Layla, your mom will forever be safe with us. We will even make her happy if she allows it."

Her teeny eyebrows furrow before she shoots a look over her shoulder at Ry. "They won't hurt me, Bug. It's okay. Jude just wanted to give you flowers to be nice." Rylee's cheeks are moist with fresh tears, even as she attempts a smile for her little one.

Pride and awe make my chest puff out. I want to be as inspiring as these two girls in front of me. Not only is a five-year-old fierce enough to stand between her mom and perceived danger; but the woman who raised her fights her demons every moment of every day and still manages to offer her child love and light.

"You are okay?" Layla's voice quivers with nerves even while she stands tall in defiance.

Rylee doesn't hesitate to scoop her daughter up and tuck her head under her chin. "I am wonderful. Do you want to smell your flowers now? Then the guys will leave so we can decorate with them. How does that sound?"

I'm not offended that she is going to kick us out. This seems like it might be a big deal in the process of getting our little one to trust us.

Our?

With an unwavering stare at us, Layla nods her head against her mom’s chest. Hesitantly, Jude grabs a bouquet and nudges me to hand them over. Turning to grab them from him, I lock eyes with Leo, seeing the fear and concern pouring out of his deep eyes.

Marcus holds his emotions a bit better, but when I catch his eye, I see horror and shock staring back at me. Jude has yet to look away from the cuddly duo, seemingly afraid if he takes his eyes off them, they might disappear into whatever hell they are running from.

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