Lighthouse Point (Whisper Cove #4)

**Trigger Warning: for themes of violence, PTSD, sexual assault and child abuse**

“Abby!” Fin slid down from her stool at the counter and threw herself at my legs. “You’re home!”

“I sure am, sweetie!” I dropped my bags and keys on the floor and scooped that little girl up in my arms, giving her the biggest hug ever. “And I am soooo glad to see you!”

Fin put up with my hug for only a second before squirming to get back down. “Guess what we did at school today?”

“What did you do?”

“We studied worms!” Her face wrinkled up like it was the grossest subject in the world.

How could I have ever thought my life was complete without this little girl? Or this house, or this town, or Daniel?

“Welcome home,” he said, slipping his hands into a red oven mitt.

“Thank you.” I looked around. Every surface in the kitchen was covered with trays of cooling cookies, brownies, and muffins. “What’s all this?”

He pulled a pan of blondies out of the oven and set them on the stove to cool. “Bake sale at school tomorrow. Apparently, Fin volunteered us.”

“Oh!” I covered my mouth with my hand, trying to hide my smile. Chocolate batter had dried on Fin’s cheeks and in her hair. The kitchen floor and Nana were also covered. In the middle of the mess, big strong Daniel stood in a flour-caked apron, baking with his little girl.

Even if I could have told Daniel about seeing Missy, I wouldn't have. Nothing could have made me ruin the joy that filled the house. I had everything I ever wanted. Daniel and Fin had everything they wanted. We’d all waited so long to be happy. How could I rock the boat?

Later that night, we tucked Fin into bed. I read Goodnight Moon three times while Daniel rubbed her back until she fell asleep. Then we slowly eased out of bed and walked to the door. Standing there in the glow of her princess night light, Daniel took my hand, and we watched her sleep in silence.

“We make a good team,” Daniel whispered, letting go of my hand to wind his arm around my back. I started to pull away and then reminded myself what the therapist had said that morning—I didn’t want one horrible moment to destroy all the beautiful ones that lay ahead of me.

I wanted Daniel by my side when I went to bed at night and when I got up in the morning. I was determined not to let my attacker take that away from me. So instead of pulling away, I leaned in. I heard his faint huff of surprise, but he went along with it. Wrapping a second arm around my waist, he rocked me from behind, holding my body tight against his.

We stood there watching the slow rise and fall of Fin’s chest, listening to Nana’s quiet growls as she chased rabbits in her sleep. When we were sure they were both deep in their dreams, we linked hands and Daniel slowly led me out of Fin’s room and into his.

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