“Anna,” she cut me off. “I’m glad you called. I’ve leaned on you so much over the years, but I think this is the first time you’ve actually asked me for help. I’m glad you trust me enough to watch them.”

I swallowed against the burn at the back of my throat. “I’m not used to leaning on others.”

“I know. But you’ll get there eventually, and we’ll all be here when you do.” She inclined her head to the sponge in my hands. “Stress cleaning?”

My mouth wanted to curve into a smile, but I couldn’t quite get it there. Justin’s words still echoed in my mind. “You know me. I like to take out my anxiety on any surface.”

Kenz reached out and squeezed my hand. “You’re going to get through this.”

God, I hoped she was right.

“Where are you going, anyway? I brought an overnight bag just in case.”

“I shouldn’t be that long. Less than an hour.”

She studied me carefully, not missing the fact that I hadn’t shared where I was headed. “Okay, but be careful. Text me or Cain if you need something.”

I pulled her into a quick hug. “You’re the best. You know that, right?”

“I am pretty awesome,” she joked.

“I’ll be back soon.” I grabbed my purse and keys from their hook by the door and headed outside. The cottage was at the back of the community center property and had a separate access road that gave me some additional privacy. It had taken me months to get used to the quiet after years of living in the hustle and bustle of Hope House. There was never true quiet there.

I beeped the locks on my hatchback, suddenly thankful I’d gone with this model instead of a sedan. I’d need the extra space if I had two kids in tow. My stomach cramped. Two children that I was responsible for keeping safe.

I slid my phone out of my pocket as I eased into my vehicle. Tapping on my contacts, I pulled up the one I needed and checked the address. It only took a couple of seconds to plug it into my GPS, and then I was off. I did a solid five miles per hour below the speed limit. The last thing I needed was to get into an accident because a deer or elk jumped in front of me.

I took one of the several roads that ran out of town. As pavement turned to gravel, my nerves kicked up a notch. I tightened my fingers around the wheel. I was doing the right thing. The only thing.