I was thankful she didn’t mention meeting someone new because I couldn’t even contemplate that. The thought made my stomach churn. I didn’t want anyone new; I just wanted Erin. I wanted her to be with both Jackson and me. I wanted us to be a family together.
Once I’d settled down, Mistress Valentine told me I could take a nap on the couch. I was too exhausted to leave and was grateful.
“I wish I could stay with you right now, Caleb,” she said, laying a kiss on my forehead, “but I have an appointment with a guest in a few minutes and she needs me.”
“I’ll be okay,” I said, squeezing her hand. “Besides, you’re right, I really do need a nap.”
She smiled and kissed me softly on the lips.
When I awoke, the first thing I noticed was that my brain felt better. I was in a calmer place than I w
