16. Bronson

brONSON

I despised my job.

Being a police officer wasn't always easy. I saw horrific things and dealt with some intense situations while putting my life on the line. It was very much like my time in the military. I wanted to protect and serve, so when I finished my stint in the service, being a cop made sense and I didn't regret it.

That was until I had to leave Lake and Stormi.

For the second time in a week I found myself standing at Lake's door reluctant to go. With the security system in place, Lake had insisted that she and Stormi would be okay. I understood and I admired her bravery, but with someone harassing her and no clue to who it was, I had done everything to convince her to just stay at the condos.

Much to my disdain she declined.

Lake had always been stubborn and strong. They were two things I loved about her. But those qualities of hers, along with my job, were going to drive me to the brink before my shift ended because it meant I had to say goodbye and leave the two girls alone while someone very unstable was on the loose. In a week"s time they'd become my world.

The only saving grace was I had a day shift and I would come by after work to check on them. And if I was lucky, Lake would just let me stay the night.

On the couch of course.

I wasn't rushing things, but if I could be close to watch over them and spend time with them too, then it would go far to settle my nerves, along with making me a happy man for getting to be in their presence.

Right then though, with Lake clinging to my shirt as I hugged her goodbye, and Stormi's tiny arms wrapped around my legs while she begged me not to go, I was miserable.

Lake had told River that I was her best friend. While I was fucking ecstatic that she acknowledged that again and was finding it in herself to forgive me, the way she felt in my arms, our hearts beating in sync with one another, told me I wasn't far off when I'd belted out that she'd be my girlfriend soon.

And that made me not want to leave her side.

It sounded as if we were in high school where I was about to ask her to wear my letterman's jacket and be my girl. But honestly, I'd been stupid not to admit my feelings had grown for Lake over those last couple of years before I left and she'd missed so much. She deserved to know what it felt like to be wooed and fawned over.

"Please don't go," Stormi was saying over and over.

Lake pulled out of my embrace and I felt empty without her in my arms, but I took that moment to pick Stormi up and assure her I'd come back after work to see them.

She placed her small hands on the side of my face and squeezed until my lips were smushed together and I imagined I looked like a fish.

"Promise?" she asked as she giggled.

My reply was jumbled with my face distorted but I gave her my word that as long as nothing happened at work, I'd be there right after.

Giving her a quick squeeze, I put her on her feet and met Lake's gaze. "You okay with that?"

A small smile stretched across her beautiful face. "Yeah, sounds good. I'll make sure there's food here for you."

"You don't have to do that, I can grab something."

"Nonsense. Don't argue and I'll see you later."

Chuckling, I opened the door to the warm summer's day and wished once again I didn't have to go to work. I found myself yearning to spend the day on the lake with the girls, which surprised me, because I was still struggling being so close to my childhood home.

"No more arguments from me," I told her. "I'll call and check on you."

Lake rolled her eyes, but Stormi said, "Call me too."

I grinned down at her. "You got it, kiddo."

With one last glance at them, I gave Lake a wink and headed out the door. As I walked to my vehicle I prayed the day went off without any hitches, the girls stayed safe, and it went quickly.

Because I'd only made it to my car door, and I already missed them.