Page 124 of Don't Think

“Charlotte, give Mom a hug. Time to go,” Trevor says, already moving toward the door.

Charlotte clings to Allie, wrapping her arms around her with her eyes shining with tears, and I can tell she’s trying so hard to be brave. Eventually, she pulls away and slides off the bed.

She walks past me, but then pauses, spins around, and throws her arms aroundmywaist.

I hug her back gently, my voice low. “Bye, Charlotte. I’ll see you again soon, okay?”

She pulls back with a small nod, her eyes on the floor—and I swear, that look crushes me more than I expected.

The second the door clicks shut, Allie lets out this deep breath and sinks back against the bed. I’m already moving, sliding in beside her. She’s staring up at the ceiling, blinking fast, trying not to let the tears fall. But I know that look.

I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close while she curls into me.

“It’s okay, love,” I murmur, kissing the top of her head. “You’ll be back with them before you know it.”

“I know,” she whispers, her voice cracking. “It’s just… hard. I hate that they had to see me like this.” She glances down at the wires and monitors hooked up to her.

“I think they were just happy to see you.” I run my hands slowly along her arms, and she breathes out slowly, nodding.

“I’m glad you got to meet them.”

“They’re amazing.” I hold her a little tighter and smile into her hair.

The truth is, I was terrified to meet them. Not because they’re kids, but because if they didn’t feel comfortable around me, I would’ve taken that step back in a heartbeat. Her girls will always come first.Always.

Trevor? He can get over it. But the girls—they’re her entire world. I’d never get in the way of that.

But the fact that they warmed up to me so fast? That just made one thing extremely clear.

We’ve gotta figure this out. And soon.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Jax

You wouldn’t know it just by looking at her, but Allie can fuckingsqueeze.

She’s gripping my hand so hard her knuckles are glowing white while Dr. O’Neil presses her abdomen and checks her incision. It’s only been three days since her surgery, but even I can tell it’s healing beautifully. Her stomach isn’t as swollen, and the redness has gone down a lot.

When he’s finished, he lowers her gown gently and snaps his gloves off.

“How do you feel about going home today, Allie?” he asks with a smile.

Whoa, wait. She was just squeezing my hand like she was trying to check my bone density, and he’s talking about sending her home? Is that even logical?

She immediately drops my hand like nothing happened and pulls herself up in the bed. My eyes dart between her and the doctor like they’ve both lost their minds.

“Is she ready for that?” I ask nervously.

He chuckles and nods. “I don’t see why not. The swelling has gone down, her blood counts are within normal limits, and her vitals are perfect.”

“No offense, Doc, but I’d love to get out of here,” Allie says with a light laugh.

My head whips toward her. I scan her face, trying to figure out how to say what I need to say without sounding…

“Are you crazy?”

Yup. Of course that’s what flies out.