Page 44 of Starting Anew

They still had a lot of things to talk about, and this Jeb guy was definitely a big concern, but Nathan felt more content sitting with Lynn now than he had the entire last week combined.

ChapterSixteen

Lynn waited at the hospital long enough to see Perry again before she agreed to leave later that afternoon. She then drove behind Nathan to the police station where they filed a report. Nathan wasn’t overly happy when he was also informed that they couldn’t do anything about the man if he hadn’t broken laws.

“This is ridiculous,” Nathan said as they left the police station. “What does it take? The guy breaking into your house? Following you into Little Lambs? Breaking into my home? It shouldn’t have to get to that.”

Lynn couldn’t agree more. It was all incredibly disheartening and overwhelming. Was it horrible that seeing Nathan so upset on her behalf was also reassuring and sweet?

It was, wasn’t it? She probably shouldn’t be thinking about any of that right now. Just because he’d stuck around for the day didn’t mean their relationship was back to the way it was before.

What if he was only sticking around because he had a need to protect her?

Just like he would any other person he knew that needed help. He’d probably do this for Sharon, too.

In a moment, her bubble of comfort and hope burst. See, this was exactly what she was trying to avoid and why she’d hesitated to tell him any of this in the first place. He had Mia to worry about, and Lynn didn’t want or need his pity.

Great, now she felt like crying. Oh, and she hadn’t heard a word Nathan said in the last minute or so.

He leaned in a little to study her face. “Come on, let’s go to your house where you can leave your car. Ride with me to Little Lambs. I can pick up Mia, you can talk to Sharon. Then I’ll bring you back home.”

Being home alone right now was the last thing Lynn wanted. It was probably selfish to agree to his plans, but she nodded all the same.

She couldn’t help but scan the road or glance at the cars behind them. If the frequency with which Nathan checked his rearview mirror was any indication, he felt the same way.

At her house, Nathan made sure her cameras were still in working order, waited for her to give Thai a little attention, and then they headed back out again.

When they entered Little Lambs, Sharon finished talking to one of the families and hurried over. Her arms surrounded Lynn in a tight hug.

“What a day you’ve had. How’s your sister? So Jeb followed you to the hospital?” As she asked her questions, she linked arms with Lynn and motioned for Nathan to follow. She led them into the back room where Mia’s eyes lit up when she saw them.

She toddled, full speed, into her daddy’s arms. But as soon as she’d received her hug, she was reaching for Lynn, too—a sweet gesture that had Lynn’s eyes swimming with tears again. Man, she’d cried more today than the last year combined.

“It’s good to see you, too, bug. I’ve missed you.” Lynn pressed a kiss to the little girl’s cheek and was more than happy to hold the girl close.

Sharon folded her arms and looked from Lynn to Nathan. “So what happened today with Jeb?”

Nathan filled her in, including some of the details he’d left out when he’d called earlier that day to check on Mia.

Lynn told her about going to the police department and filing another report.

Sharon shook her head. “That’s it. You’re coming to stay with me and Walt for a while.”

“That’s not a bad idea,” Nathan agreed. “At least we don’t have to worry about you at your place alone.”

“Exactly,” Sharon added with a definitive nod.

Lynn held Mia close and rubbed her back. “I’m not going anywhere.” Her words snagged their attention and earned her a look of disapproval from both of them. “This guy has been bothering me for years. What am I supposed to do? Hide at your house, Sharon, for two or three more?”

Mia squirmed so Lynn set her back down again. The little girl made a beeline for the toys.

After watching her for several moments, Lynn turned again to her friends. “Look, Jeb creeps me out. I don’t like feeling as though he’s there watching me at all times. But I have to live my life. My windows are double paned and locked, both of my doors have deadbolts, and I’ve got cameras above them. The only thing I’m missing is a watchdog.”

“But you do have a killer rolling pin,” Sharon reminded her with an amused smile.

“That’s right. I do have that.” Lynn chuckled a little and shrugged. “The situation isn’t ideal, but it is what it is. If there’s one thing Jeb’s proved, it’s that he doesn’t quit. And I’m not willing to have him control my life because he doesn’t have one of his own.” She planted her hands on her hips for emphasis.

Sharon frowned but didn’t argue. Nathan’s expression was a mix of disapproval and respect. They looked at each other. “I guess that’s that,” Sharon said. “But promise me you’ll call if you need anything.”

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