Page 140 of Finding Redemption

I drop my hands in defeat. She’s hurt beyond anything I’ve seen. The strong, beautiful, intelligent woman I know is reduced to ashes.

“Reese?” Her eyes flash to mine, tears on her face. “How can I help, baby?”

She throws her hands in the air, her entire body trembling. “I don’t even know.”

I step toward her, placing my hand on her shoulder. I caress her face, slipping my hand around her neck. I pull her to me, holding her to my chest, and she breaks. Reese falls into me, crying. She’s angry, scared and, most of all, hurt.

“Why did he wait until he’s dying to find me?”

“I don’t know. Maybe circumstance stopped him. You can only make the best of it if that’s what you want.” I hold her close, swaying to calm her.

“How am I supposed to know what to do? I’ve never done this before.” She’s right. Mistakes are bound to happen the first time you try anything,

“Me either. I suppose we’ll figure it out as we go.” I lay my head against hers. I’ve never seen Reese this unhinged. “I love you, Reese.”

Her body jumps as she chuckles. “What if all I can do is yell?”

“I’m here for anything you need. Though I do prefer you not yelling. Makes me nervous.” I snicker.

“Sorry. I’m just… everywhere.” She grips my shirt with both hands, holding me to her. “Can we go to bed?”

“We can, and I’ll make you a hot cup of cocoa.”

“I’m not sure what to do, Walker. I want to help him, I want to be there for him, but then again, I don’t. I made it this far without him. I don’t understand why he’s acting as if he can’t make it without me.” She searches my eyes for an answer, answers I don’t have. And I sure as hell don’t know how to get them.

Bright light streams in from the crack in the curtain. I pry my other eye open with determination. I’m closing that damn window. Sitting up, a chill runs down my spine, making me shiver. I stagger over, yanking the material together. When the cold surrounds me, I’m frozen in place.

Where’s Reese?

I look over my shoulder to the bed. Empty. Turning, I look at the bathroom door. It’s open, but the lights are off. The noise in my head pounds out a relentless beat. I force myself to the living room, stumbling as I try to keep myself upright. I scan the room quickly. She’s not here. I take off, full-on running down the stairs.

Hitting the doors, I bump into them. They’re locked. She’s gone. I flip the switch, bolting outside. Her Jeep’s gone. I fist my hair because I know she’s running. I feel that shit in my gut. I race inside, taking the stairs two at a time. I grab the first thing I can find, jerking it on as fast as I can.

I whirl from side to side. “Where’s my fucking phone? Goddammit.”

I see it on the table. Grabbing it, I haul ass out the door with my keys in hand. Opening my truck door, I pause long enough to consider calling her. My gut tells me she’ll never answer.

“Calm down, Walker,” I say to myself, sliding into my seat. I rest my head against the seat. “Maybe she needed to think. Or had an appointment she forgot about.” I try to steady my shaking hands, typing a text to her.

Hey, baby. I woke up cold and alone.

I wait a few minutes. There’s no reply.

Reese. You okay?

Several more minutes pass and I’m ready to scream again.

Tell me you’re okay.

Tell me you love me.

Tell me something.

Ten minutes, still no word. I start my truck, jamming it into gear. “What in the literal fucking hell is going on?” I stomp my foot on the gas, driving like a freaking lunatic to her place. Pulling in, I can see her Jeep isn’t here, but Alden’s car is.

I haul ass over to his door, pounding hard on it. My heart is in my chest as I wait. He jerks the door open, looking like hell.

“Try to calm down.” He walks away. “Come the fuck in.”