Emmy hung up the phone.
She felt completely drained, like someone had pulled the plug on her strength. Stumbling, she rushed into the bathroom and locked the door behind her.
The emotions she’d bottled up for so long finally broke loose. Leaning over the sink, she sobbed so hard her whole body shook, and then she slumped over the basin, gagging and gasping for air.
James heard the noise and hurried over, twisting the doorknob.
“Emmy, what’s going on? Open the door, please!”
Inside, Emmy tried to steady her breathing, splashing cold water on her face. She stared into the mirror at her swollen, red eyes. Deep inside, though, there was a fierce, burning determination.
She opened the door. Her voice was rough and icy.
“I’m not letting Cooper and Claudia get away with this. They’re going to pay. Every bit of it.”
James saw the fire in her eyes and pulled her close, wrapping her tightly in his arms. He didn’t say anything—just stroked her hair, his hand warm and gentle.
After a long moment, he spoke softly into her ear.
“Don’t worry. I’m with you.”
“Whatever you want to do, I’ll be right here.”
“We’ll settle this, together.”
Suddenly, little footsteps thundered down the hallway. Ollie appeared, looking very serious with his chin up.
“James, that’s not how you cheer up a girl,” he announced like an expert.
“You have to kiss her! That’s how she gets happy again.”
His clear, bright voice broke the tension in an instant.
Emmy actually laughed, even though tears still hung on her lashes. She couldn’t help but smile at his grown-up attitude.
She stepped out of James’s arms, crouched down, and asked, “Who told you that?”
Ollie puffed up. “It’s on TV all the time!”
James grinned, pulled Emmy to her feet, and gently cradled her head. He kissed her softly, a sweet, calming brush of lips.
It was just a second, then he scooped her up in his arms and carried her toward the bedroom.
He glanced back at Ollie, who was still wide-eyed.
“If you get sleepy, you can use the couch. I need to take care of Emmy.”
Ollie nodded seriously, waving after them.
“Emmy, you have to cheer up, okay!”
The door clicked shut behind them.
As soon as they were in the bedroom, James kissed her again.


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