Page 60 of Say You'll Stay

They’re nestled in the roots of an old tree with her head on his shoulder and Lucy in his arms when he spots something in the distance.

“See that?” He points to a long stretch of pipe disappearing between the brush. “Has to go somewhere. Houses. Buildings.”

“Commercial area maybe.”

“Stay close, dunno what we’re walking into,” he mutters, as they get to their feet and follow it further into the wilderness.

The baby squeaks from her sling, providing a running commentary on their travels from her spot against Cole’s chest.

“Coleeeee,” he whispers. “You can do it.”

Olivia smirks. “Keep trying. I told you already I’m gonna win.”

“Yeah, yeah. We’ve been practicing.”

They haven’t forgotten about that bet. Lately, it’s one of their few sources of entertainment. No opportunity is wasted to try to earn Lucy’s favor and influence her first word.

The abrupt stop and the jerk of her sling cause the baby to frown, almost comically, as the trees part and they face the gates of a community.

‘Magnolia Hills’The sign reads, framed in branches.

Guards patrol with rifles, but that has to be common now, she figures. Can’t be too careful.

“What do you think?” Cole asks, like she has any clue what the right answer is.

She appreciates the effort, though. His commitment to including her in major decisions, after years of feeling that her opinion was disregarded, provides a small sense of control over her own life, even in a situation where that’s hard to come by. “It’s risky. They could be hostile. I also think we’ll dehydrate out here if we don’t find anything else soon and this could be our only chance.”

“Might be a way to sneak in. I could try around back, leave you two somewhere safe and pop over the back fence to see what I can grab. Fill up the water bottles somehow.”

This stealth mission is just about the worst idea he could have suggested. “No. We have to stay together no matter what.”

“If they’re hostile, I don’t want you two around when they first see us.”

“You don’t even know if you can get in back there. And if you do, then getting around without being caught is….”

“Can wait until it gets dark—”

“Cole.” She cuts him off, pausing to gather her thoughts instead of frantically rifling through them for a way toconvince him this is unacceptable. “I can’t risk losing you.”

He gives her that half squint he often wears when she says something that shows she cares about him, like he can’t help but be puzzled by it. Finally, he softens in understanding. “Alright, but if we’re going up to the gate to say hello, then I’m going first. Don’t argue, okay? Please.”

Reluctantly, she nods her agreement and takes Lucy when he hands her over. He could be walking into gunfire the moment he steps out of the woods, but desperation leaves them little choice.

“Gonna be okay. We can’t risk her catching a stray bullet.”

“I don’t want you catching one either. Whatever happened todon’t expect any heroics?” She counters, knowing full well he’s right. Her priority is to protect her child above all else, but it doesn’t mean she’s not worried about him.

“That was then, and this is now. Things change, and hey, I made it this far, right? Basically Teflon now.”

She rolls her eyes. “Don’t even joke, you’ll jinx yourself.”

“Stay put.” He presses his lips to her forehead in a fast kiss that catches her by surprise, before backing away and emerging into the daylight with his hands raised.

A warning shot is fired at his feet and her heart races. She clutches Lucy tight, watching from the trees and praying that she won’t lose him today.

“We’ve got a baby with us!” Cole yells out. “We need help.”

As if on cue, the baby goes from happy to screaming, proving Cole’s statement and perhaps saving his life in the process. The guns drop a bit, alert but no longer so quick to fire first and ask questions later.

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