Page 42 of Timber Ridge
He bends down and kisses Hailey’s cheek. “Be right back, Noodle,” he says. “May is gonna patch me up.”
Hailey’s smile stretches wide. “Okay, Daddy!” She bounces on her toes and claps her hands. “Hurry back. I want to show you my drawing!”
“Sure thing, kiddo.”
I watch Kane walk away. For a moment, a pang of reluctance washes over me. It seems like I’ve only just claimed him, and already I’m hesitant to let him out of my sight. But I set the emotion aside, reminding myself that he’ll be back soon.
With a deep breath, I redirect my focus to Lucas and Tommy, who have been engaged in their own nearby play, unaware of the emotional storm brewing nearby.
“Alright, you two,” I point to the building. “Let’s head back to the community center.”
They begin singing in unison, “Kane and Timber sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G.”
“There was no tree,” I say, shaking my head. How do kids always know that song? It’s like it’s embedded in their DNA.
As we step into the center, Hailey makes a beeline for the art corner, ready to dive back into her project. She doesn’t know how dire the situation was for her father, and I’m glad I could insulate her from that. All she knows is that everything is right in her world.
Glancing at the clock, a combination of restlessness and anticipation washes over me. Kane said he’d return soon, and every passing minute seems like an eternity.
Hailey picks up a marker and works her magic on the paper in front of her. She draws three stick people and when I ask who they are, she proudly tells me it’s her family. Pointing at the tallest, she exclaims, “Daddy.” Then, pointing at the smallest, she says, “Me.” Her finger moves across the one with the big smile. “This is you.”
I experience a combination of emotions. Warmth fills me at the sight, but there’s a pang of longing too. I’ve always wanted a family. Hailey’s art makes me wonder if a long-term relationship with Kane is possible. Does he want that too? It’s a question that lingers in my mind, stirring uncertainty. But for now, I focus on the joy of this moment, cherishing the time we share and remaining open to whatever the future may hold.
Lucas and Tommy’s parents arrive unexpectedly early. They explain they heard on their radios that Kane was found and thought it would be good to come in early so me and Hailey could be free to go home and care for him. With the boys gone, a quiet descends upon the room, broken only by the occasional giggle from Hailey as she draws all the things she wants, like a dog, a horse, and a unicorn.
I steal glances at the clock, willing time to speed up, eager for Kane’s return. But amidst the anticipation, I remind myself to savor this moment—the quiet before the chaos of emotions that will surely come when Kane walks back through that door. So, I lose myself in the simple pleasure of creating art with Hailey.
As Hailey proudly holds up her masterpiece, a shadow falls across the doorway, drawing our attention. My breath catches as I turn to see Kane filling the space. His hands are bandaged, and there’s salve on his face, but he’s as handsome as ever.
As Kane’s gaze sweeps the room, his eyes lock onto mine. Excitement flutters in my chest. “Hey there,” he whispers. His voice is weary but filled with affection. “Are my girls ready to head home?”
My girls... His words send a rush of giddiness through me, a sensation I can’t quite contain.
“We’re ready whenever you are,” I say.
Together, the three of us make our way out of the community center. And as we walk, a sense of hope stirs within me, a belief that this could be the start of something beautiful for all of us.
Chapter Eighteen
KANE
The familiar creak of the front door announces our return. Stepping inside, the scent of home wraps around me—wood, sea salt, and a hint of vanilla from Hailey’s favorite lotion. Relief washes over me, soothing the raw edges of exhaustion. I made it. I’m safe.
Hailey skips ahead, her laughter filling the space as she recounts her day, oblivious to the fear that gripped us all. Her resilience is a marvel, and her joy lifts my weary soul. I smile, despite the weight of fatigue pulling at me.
“Daddy, look!” She waves a drawing above her head, her stick figures dancing on the paper. “This is us!” She points out each figure with pride, her eyes shining with innocence and love.
“That’s beautiful, Noodle.” My voice is thick with emotion. I reach out, ruffling her hair. “You’re quite the artist.”
She runs off to her room, her energy boundless. I exchange a weary yet grateful glance with Timber, the woman who’s become my anchor. Her eyes meet mine, and the air between us crackles. The kiss we shared still lingers in my mind.
“Come here,” I murmur, my voice barely above a whisper. “Please.”
She steps closer, her eyes searching mine. I pull her into my arms. “Thank you for everything.” The world narrows to this—her body against me, the steady beat of her heart, reassuring and grounding.
“Are you okay?” she asks, her voice laced with concern.
“Better now,” I reply. “Better because you’re here. Better because I finally kissed you.”