“I guess none of us are truly safe, but the truth is you have a family now. Your wife and daughter have to come first. You gotta stay out of danger for their sake. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of Everleigh like she’s my own sister.”

Though I mean those words with my whole heart, I hate implying that Everleigh and I aren’t anything more than friends. I want to tell him I’m in love with her, but now isn’t the time. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her from here on out.

He gives me a tight brotherly hug, knowing what I went through for Annie. “I trust you, man. I know you will. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” His words cut deep, and I feel as if I’ve betrayed him by not telling him the whole truth, but I push away the thoughts as soon as I see Everleigh.

I open the car door for her as she’s wheeled to the edge of the sidewalk. She meets my eyes, and I help her climb inside the car.

“Stay safe, sis,” Tyler says as he hands over her bag, then dips inside and hugs her.

“I will,” Everleigh tells him.

I hop in, and we wave goodbye. She winces a bit and readjusts her position. Knowing that this might be an issue, I grabbed a small throw pillow from the couch for her. After she places it against her side, she smiles in relief.

“You good?” I ask before driving away.

She nods. “Better now.”

I interlock my fingers with hers on the way. She rubs her thumb across mine. Tonight, I’ll get to hold her in my arms as we fall asleep, and that thought comforts the hell out of me.

Tyler follows us, and knowing that he’s close also eases my concern. I think it would be impossible for anyone to take us both on, considering we’re so accustomed to fighting.

Once we’re in Lawton Ridge town limits, Tyler honks a couple of times and waves, then turns off toward the gym. I notice the way Everleigh scans the downtown area, and I search around too, but the SUV isn’t in sight. I squeeze her hand as we drive to her grandmother’s house. As soon as we park, Mimi comes out with Sassy on a leash.

Her tail immediately wags when she sees Everleigh.

“Calm down,” Mimi says, opening the back door.

Sassy jumps in and pushes herself between the seats. “Aw, my sweet girl.” Everleigh coos as Sassy licks her face.

“How’re you feelin,’ honey?” Mimi asks.

“Better. Glad to be going home.” Everleigh grins.