Page 69 of Marc

“Ready to head to your house?”

She slides into the passenger seat of my car. “Yeah, I’m ready.”

Picking up the box I packed to bring to Staci’s house, I place it in the backseat before driving to her house.

I park my car in her driveway and grab the box of trash bags and cleaning supplies before following her to her front door.

She turns around to face me with shock and confusion in her eyes. “Did you do that?”

She points to the brand new wrought iron doorwith an ivy patterned frosted glass inlay that has replaced the old broken front door.

I give her a smile, hoping she isn’t mad that I replaced the old one yesterday morning, so I explain my reasoning.

“I didn’t want anyone or anything to be able to get inside unless you wanted them there.”

She glances behind her toward the new front door before turning her attention back to me.

“This is absolutely beautiful and unexpected. You are seriously so sweet and thoughtful. Thank you.”

The way she is looking at me right now makes me feel like a superhero. “It’s not much.”

She wraps her hands around my arms and stares at me with large, bright eyes.

What is this new look in her eyes?

It’s soft, caring, and comforting and reminds me of love.

No, it can’t be.

It’s too soon.

Her voice drags me out of my thoughts.

“Sure it is. I really appreciate you being here for me through all of this.”

I shake all thoughts from my head. “No one should have to go through this alone.”

Especially Staci.

She is the most caring person I have ever met, and how someone who claims to love her can destroy her belongings and her safety is beyond me.

Changing the subject, I ask, “So, what is the plan today?”

“Lots of cleaning, and when the house is clean, I plan on buying and installing a security system. I want cameras, alarms, and window sensors- the whole lot.”

That is a lot on today’s to-do list.

“Then let's get started.”

I reach into my pocket and pull out the keyring containing all four keys to the front door.

“I think you will need these.”

After handing the keys to Staci, I wait for her to unlock the door before following her into her house.

We start by removing all the broken items and large glass shards, ripped pillows and covers, paper, and stuffing from each and every room.

We fill up three trash bags.

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