Ben

When the call came from Lindsay, I swiped almost savagely. “Where are you, and why haven’t you answered your phone?”

“I didn’t charge it last night, so it died.”

“You need a new phone that has a better battery.” I made a mental note to get her the newest, latest model after this was over. “Elle isn’t with Ashe. I was there—”

“I have her.”

Those three simple words crushed all air from my lungs and had me dropping to my knees. “Where…?”

“We’re in a cab headed back now. The driver is loaning me his charger.”

I somehow managed to breathe again. “I’ll meet you at the curb.” She didn’t try to dissuade me, probably realizing she couldn’t. I needed to be reunited with Elle as soon as possible.

After Lindsay hung up, I put the phone in my pocket and gripped the side of the desk to stand up. It took me a moment to find the strength, because I was so weak with relief.

And gratitude. I owed Lindsay everything. She’d found Elle, who must be safe, or they’d be heading to the hospital instead of home. I squirmed internally as I remembered my plan to emotionally withdraw. How could I do that?

But how could I commit to her when I knew how ugly love could be? Not that I loved her. No way. It was far too soon for that, I assured myself as I got to my feet.

I staggered down the hallway, stopping by the kitchen to tell Margot and Betsy the good news. I found them huddled together at the table, sipping coffee, and looking worried sick. “Lindsay’s bringing her home.”

“Oh, thank goodness. Is it all right if I make the little miss’s favorite dinner, Mr. Hudson?”

I nodded at Margot. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

She shrugged, not quite meeting my eyes. “I thought maybe she’d be punished, and I didn’t want to interfere.”

“Oh.” I shook my head. “Make her favorite, and that chocolate cake she likes for dessert, if you have time.”

“I have the batter waiting in the fridge,” she confessed with a hint of guilt.

“Excellent.” I left the two women and the apartment a moment later. The elevator ride was fast, and I was soon standing beside Bill as I awaited the arrival of my daughter and…her nanny? That didn’t sound right, but what did?

“I heard the good news, sir. I’m glad Miss Elle is returning to us safe and sound.”

I nodded at Bill, marveling at how quickly word must have spread around the building. “Thank you. You have no idea how relieved I am too.”

“I can imagine. My youngest took off once, but quickly changed his mind when he realized he’d forgotten his teddy bear.”

More to fill the time than anything, I said, “I didn’t know you were a family man.”

“Oh, yes, sir. They’re grown these days, but the wife and I still see them a lot.”

“How long have you been married?”

“Almost forty years.”

I looked at him. “How in the world did you manage that?”

He shrugged. “It’s a lot of work sometimes, but I couldn’t imagine anyone else I want by my side during the journey of life. Once you find the right one, you don’t let go of her. It’s worth the fight.”

I nodded, his words percolating in my brain as we waited for the right cab to draw up. Was Bill right? He certainly seemed to know what he was talking about with forty years of marriage to back him up.

I hadn’t fought for Ashe, but I’d stopped loving her the way I had in the beginning long before discovering her addiction. She hadn’t been worth fighting for, and I was positive she’d felt the same way about me. We were toxic together and happier apart than we’d ever been when married.

Lindsay was different. I knew it in my heart. She was dangerous to my heart and to the path I’d set for myself—one I intended to walk alone.

That course no longer seemed so appealing, especially when the cab drew up, and she exited a few minutes later with Elle’s hand in hers.

I rushed to the curb, reaching for my daughter despite the way she held back. I forced myself to stop at the last minute and shoot a questioning look at Lindsay.

“Elle is afraid she’s in trouble.”

I immediately swooped forward and lifted her into my arms. She remained stiff in my arms for a moment before hers crept around my neck, and she hugged me back.

“I’m so happy you’re home, baby.” I buried my face against her fine blonde hair and inhaled the scent of mangoes. “Please don’t ever do this again.”

She lifted her head, which forced me to move mine so I could look into her eyes. “I’m sorry, Daddy.”

I nodded. “We’ll talk in a bit. Let’s get you cleaned up and fed. Margot’s making your favorite dinner.”

Her eyes sparkled. “Brie en Croûte and salmon cakes?”

I nodded. “With chocolate cake for dessert.”