Page 7 of Now that I Found You
Chapter Three
Callum ~ October
“Do you really think this is necessary?” Ellie asks, running her nails over the base of my neck into my hair. “Cameras inside and outside of our house. Isn’t it kind of… I don’t know, weird?”
I press a kiss to her shoulder before leaning back, looking her straight in the eye.
I recently asked Graham to install a security system for us. It originally started by me wanting more eyes on our home. Living out in the middle of nowhere, you often hear sounds. There were times the motion detectors would turn on the lights and it made Ellie jumpy when we’d look outside and find nothing.
I wanted her to feel safe, and I never wanted to be put in the predicament again of not knowing who was coming and going. I knew Ellie was hesitant on the idea, but we decided to have additional cameras put in near the front door and in the kitchen, overlooking the doors leading to our back patio.
“There is nothing I wouldn’t do to keep you safe, Ellie. Not a damn fucking thing. After what happened,” I pause, remembering the day I went to pick her up at her house and found her gone. “The fear of not knowing who you were with or if you’re okay, it’s not something I want to ever relive. I want you to always feel safe in our home.”
Her face softens, as the glisten of tears fill her eyes.
“Baby, don’t cry.”
“It’s hard not to, Callum.” She runs her fingers under her eye, catching the tear that threatens to fall.
A rustling sound behind us alerts us we’re no longer alone. “Sorry to interrupt,” Graham mutters behind us. “You’re all set now.”
Turning, I spot Graham and Maverick standing in the doorway to our kitchen. If there’s anyone who understands the fear of something happening to the woman you love, it’s Graham.
There’s a look of guilt on their faces as they look from Ellie and back to me.
“Graham, I know you had cameras set up at your place. Did Halle have a hard time with it or think they were weird?” Ellie asks.
Graham’s jaw flexes and I know, like me, it’s hard to get the thought of the woman you love being hurt out of your head.
“There’s nothing weird about making yourself feel safe in your own home. After what you’ve been through, I think it’s necessary for both of you to have that comfort again.”
Ellie went through a lot this past year. The trial dredged up a lot of painful memories. Royal is now in prison for the rest of his life, but it doesn’t mean I’m not going to do everything I can to give Ellie the security and the sense of peace she still deserves after all this time.
“We’re gonna clean up but wanted you to know we were done. I’ll show you how everything works before we leave.”
Graham nods his head toward the door as his friend and co-worker, Maverick, flashes Ellie a reassuring smile. I wave them off, telling them I’ll catch up with them in a few minutes before turning back to Ellie.
“See, baby, nothing weird about it.”
Ellie runs her finger over her bottom lip, lost in thought. I skim my hand over her shoulder, hoping to pull her from wherever her mind has ran off to before she brings her focus back to me.
“You’re right,” she sighs, wrapping her arms around my waist, hugging me.
I press my mouth against the side of her head, kissing her firmly. “I’d do anything for you. You know that, right?”
“I do,” she mumbles, her body trembles as the emotions she’s working to contain let loose.
“Please don’t cry,” I whisper.
She takes a heavy breath before pulling back. “I think I’m going to go outside to read for a little bit.” She reaches to grab her book off the counter, as she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear.
Some days are harder than others, but I can’t push her. She’s learning to move forward one day at a time.
When she gets to the patio door, she turns to look back at me, knowing I’m watching every step of the way.
“I’m okay,” she says reassuringly. I don’t know if it’s more for me or for herself, but she gives me a small smile before pulling the door open, stepping outside, and closing it behind her. I continue to watch her as she climbs into her hammock, laying her book on her lap.
I stand here, watching her through the sliding glass door, wanting to make sure she is okay, before turning to search for Graham and Maverick, finding them in the entryway. Graham is bent down picking up boxes as Maverick messes with the tablet, adjusting the settings.
