Dear Rosie - Page 215

I hoist her into the air, her arms and legs wrapping around me.

The feel of her.

The weight of her.

She’s mine.

Everything she is… is mine.

“You’re not alone anymore.” I hug her tightly. “You’ll never be alone again.”

She presses her face into my neck, and I can feel her choppy breaths as I hold her even closer.

“I’m sorry.” Her voice breaks on the words.

“No.” I move into her room. “No more apologies.” I press my face into her hair. “But no more secrets, Rosie. Even if you think you’re saving me, no more secrets.”

She nods against me.

I sit on the edge of the bed, Rosie in my lap.

I rub a hand up her spine. “Please stop crying. It breaks my heart to hear you cry. Everything will be okay.”

She sniffs. “But what about…” She lifts her head. “What about what I did?”

“No one will ever know.” I brush a strand of hair off her face. “He’s gone. His ashes can’t be tested. His records are gone. He never fucking existed.” I run a hand over her hair. “I would’ve come for you yesterday, but I needed to get that handled first. I’m sorry I took so long.”

Her bright blue eyes are still filled with tears as she blinks at me. “You—You did that?”

I nod. “He can’t hurt you anymore, Rosie.”

She throws her arms around me, and the sobs that come out of her are filled with relief.

And as I hold her, I can feel the shift.

I can feel the weight lift off her shoulders.

I can feel her exhale her pain.

I move my hand up and down her back, soothing her, promising her I’m here.

“Thank you,” she whispers.

Over and over, she whispers it.

Together, we inhale.

This woman of mine.

I finally loosen my hold so she can meet my gaze. “No more secrets,” I repeat.

Her eyes search mine. “I only have one left.”

I cup her cheek. “Tell me.”

She flattens her hands against my chest, her palm over my heart.

“Whatever it is, Beautiful. We’ll handle it.” I coax her.