Chapter 17

Lily was finally asleep again, but Ian didn’t know for how long. She’d woken up twice crying since she went to bed and would ask where Sandy was because she wanted her to sing the song about bad dreams. Lily remembered the song, and he sang it with her, but it seemed his daughter had fallen in love with Sandy after just one night knowing her. Like father, like daughter.

His heart hurt. He’d seen Sandy pull up with her friend and the little girl earlier that day. He’d hoped she’d call or come over to introduce the little girl, but Sandy hadn’t left the house. Then there were the two large apes going in and out of her house. Of course, Keith made a point to let him know the guys were there for security, but he didn't feel any better. Especially when every time Ian looked over at the house one of them caught him.

He’d called Keith to find out how things were going with Gerald, but only half listened to the conversation. He was worried about his old friend, but he felt lost not knowing if or when Sandy would talk to him again.

He’d grabbed yet another cup of coffee and entered the living room. He heard Lily sobbing again and hurried into the bedroom. He found her sat up in the bed clinging to her bunny.

“Lily, did you have another bad dream?” Ian lifted her into his arms and left the bedroom just in case Grace woke. That was the last thing he needed.

“I need Sandy to sing the song.” Lily sobbed and rested her head on his shoulder.

“I don’t know when Sandy will be home, sweetheart.” He lied.

“Is she mad at you?” Lily lifted her head and stared into his face.

“I’m not really sure but how about we lay on the couch and find a movie to watch.” Ian hoped the distraction would work, but his daughter wasn’t buying it.

“I heard Aunt Stephanie say you were being a man again,” Lily tucked her head under his arm on the couch.

“Did she now?” As much as he loved his sister-in-law, her being mad was the least of his worries.

“I’m not sure, but it sounds like you’re in trouble.” Lily wiped her eyes with her fists, and he pulled the blanket up over her. He prayed she’d fall asleep again.

“Everything’s fine, Lily. How about we watch this movie?” He pointed to the screen where he’d brought up one of the many Disney movies that he watched over the last few days. He was relieved when Lily nodded her head and snuggled into his side.

“Will Sandy ever come over again?” Lily yawned. Ian was about to answer when he heard a soft voice from the doorway.

“Of course.” Ian looked up, and his heart melted.

“Sandy.” Lily jumped off the couch and ran, right into Sandy’s arms. “I had bad dreams, and Daddy helped me sing the song, but the dreams didn’t go away.”

“Did you want me to sing it to you?” Sandy asked. Lily nodded and glanced at Ian.

“Goodnight Daddy.” Lily smiled, but Sandy didn’t move toward the girl's room. She met his gaze, and he smiled.

“Is it alright with you if I put her to bed?” Sandy asked.

“It’s more than alright,” Ian smiled.

He stood next to the patio door staring out at the fog rolling in over the water. Another evening of rain, drizzle, and fog. It was kind of fitting considering how he’d been feeling. Sandy seemed to be in the room with Lily for what seemed like an hour. Seeing her in his doorway was the best thing he’d ever seen in a long time. Ian worried she would end things and had all kinds of scenarios running through his head. He was ready to go in and drag her out of the bedroom, but he saw her reflection behind him through the window.

“She’s out like a light,” Sandy said.

Ian turned around and braced his hands on the windowsill. She stood there nervously playing with the edge of her T-shirt and doing everything to avoid his eyes.

“For some reason, the song only works when you sing it,” Ian pushed himself away from the window and walked toward her.

“I think she just misses having a woman around.” Sandy shoved her hands into her pockets and glanced at the television.

“She’s been with the women in my family all week. It’s you.” Ian stood in front of her but didn’t touch her.

“Maybe it’s because she knows my mom died too.” Sandy lowered her head and wouldn’t meet his eyes.

“It’s you.” Ian lifted her chin with his finger, so she had to look at him. “It’s only you.” This time he wasn’t talking about Lily.

“Ian…,” Sandy whispered just before his lips brushed against hers.

“I love you, Sandy and I’ll stand by you whatever you want to do.” Ian cupped her face in his hands, and her hands covered his.

“I need to keep her safe, Ian.” Sandy’s eyes filled with tears. “I feel responsible.”

“I know. I see why you and Keith are so close now. You both feel the need to protect everyone you love.” Ian smiled and used his thumb to wipe away a tear that was slowly sliding down her cheek.

“I love you,” Sandy whispered.

“I want to be the one to protect you.” Ian looked deep into Sandy’s eyes. “I want you to feel safe in my arms and know I’ll do anything to keep you and those you love safe.”

“I don’t want to put you and your girls in danger.” She touched his cheek.

“I know I’m not Keith or his tribe of apes, but I can keep you and Evie safe too.” Ian pulled her into his arms. “Just don’t shut me out.”

“Do you know how to use a gun?” She asked, and Ian furrowed his brows.

“Uncle Kurt made sure all of us knew how to use guns,” Ian explained. Although he hadn’t been to the range in a long while, he could handle a gun if he needed.

“Good.” Sandy pressed her hands against his chest and stared at them. “This guy is crazy, and we’ve had a sighting of him in Moncton.”

“He’s coming for Evie, isn’t he?” Ian thought he knew the answer to the question.

“No. Scott’s coming for me. Evie was just the way he was going to get to me.” Sandy looked up and met his eyes.

“He’s not going to get near you,” Ian growled, and she lay her finger against his lips.

“I need you to promise that you’ll protect yourself and your girls,” Sandy said. “Let me and the guys take care of Scott.”

“Sandy, I can’t promise you I won’t protect you if I have to.” Ian hugged her against him.

“I know you’re a big tough O’Connor, but he doesn’t care who he hurts and when he knows the best way to hurt me is to go after Evie, you and your girls, he won’t hesitate.”

“I’m not afraid of this guy, Sandy.”

“I’m sorry for running away again.” She whispered.

“Please don’t run from me again.” Ian pressed his lips against her forehead.

“Can you just hold me right now?” Sandy pressed her cheek against his shoulder.

“I’ll hold you forever if you want.” The music of the Disney movie played in the background while he wrapped her in his arms. Her tense muscles slowly relax, but she didn’t speak, and neither did he. He was just happy to have her in his arms. Any talking they had to do could wait until she was ready.