Chapter 32

I heavethe last box into the back of the moving truck, sweat dripping down my back. Archer slams the tailgate shut and gives me a nod.

"Thanks for the help, man." Then I add, "I know it's a lot to ask, keeping this between us."

He hates keeping things from Piper, but he also knows that she'll be the first one telling my parents about this. I'm not ready to deal with my family.

Archer shrugs, the hint of a smirk on his lips. "Hey, far as I'm concerned, this is just two buddies moving some furniture. What the Deckers don't know won't hurt anyone."

But I can hear the judgment in his voice. There's something he wants to say. Probably urge me to tell everyone. Get help since this is a little above my own capabilities.

I sigh. "I can't tell anyone about this. They won't understand," I state, defending my actions or maybe convincing myself. "My parents might think I'm losing my mind. I'm moving a stranger to my house. I have to unveil this slowly."

Archer scoffs. "So many lies. At least be honest with yourself."

"I don't know what you mean," I say defensively.

"You're in love with her and that scares the fuck out of you. If you choose to be in denial, that's your problem, but . . . she's sick, and you can't deal with this alone."

"What am I supposed to do? My family will make a big deal out of the situation," I say defensively.

"It's a fucking big deal, Gabe. I can give you a hand, but you know who'll be great at helping?" he asks and doesn't wait for an answer. "Piper. I bet Pipe will become her best friend and make her feel welcome."

"Ame is going through a lot. We can't just drag her into the Decker family—or Piper," I remind him.

He shakes his head. "I don't love keeping secrets from my woman. Fix your shit and tell Pipe soon, okay?"

I nod. "Maybe after the holidays."

Archer doesn't get that if my family found out I was moving Ameline in, they'd freak. Act like I was marrying the girl tomorrow or who knows what. When Leslie died, Dad and Mom were hovering all the time. They sent me to therapists and talked about not stopping my life because she had left so soon. It was weird. Their fear that I would fall into a big depression was scarier than anything I've ever experienced. I just don't want to deal with something like that again.

As we climb into the truck, my mind wanders to Ameline who is now waiting for me back at my place. I picture her sitting on my couch, knees pulled to her chest, big doe eyes studying her strange new surroundings.

Which reminds me, I've got to plan the night ahead. They sent her medication to prevent the headaches and seizures, but they can't guarantee they'll work one hundred percent. I have to make sure she's comfortable. My chest clenches thinking about how small and helpless she looked in that hospital bed.

I've got research to do, too, ways to get her the care she needs. Her dad cut her off, but he must be legally required to cover her health expenses, right? If I have to, I'll take the bastard to court myself. Anything to make sure Ameline gets the treatment she deserves.

My hands tighten on the steering wheel. She's not alone, and I will make sure that she gets through all this unscathed, or at least not too mangled.

When we arrive home, I find Ame curled up on the couch, blanket wrapped around her shoulders, face pale and drawn. My heart squeezes. Making my way to the kitchen, I heat up some milk and mix in honey and cinnamon, just how Mom makes it when we can't sleep.

"Here," I say gently, pressing the warm mug into her hands. "This might help you relax."

Ameline's eyes shimmer with gratitude as her fingers curl around the drink. "You're too good to me," she whispers.

I want to wrap my arms around her, but I resist the urge. Can't let myself act on my feelings right now. Archer thinks I'm in denial, but that's not true. I'm aware of the way she makes my heart stutter, and I look forward to her next text every fucking day. It's just . . . not the right time.

But when tears fill those big brown eyes, my resolve crumbles. Unable to stop myself, I pull her close, her body soft and warm against mine. She sobs into my shirt and I rub her back, murmuring soothing words. Holding this hurting, vulnerable girl in my arms . . . it feels right. Like she belongs here, with me.

For now, just having her here is enough. Her sobs eventually subside, and she pulls back to look up at me with red-rimmed eyes.

"I'm sorry," she says, sniffling. "I've been falling apart all day, haven't I?"

"Hey, it's okay." I brush a strand of hair from her face. "You've been through a lot. It's understandable."

Ameline nods, taking a shaky sip of the warm milk. Some color returns to her cheeks. "This really hits the spot."

I notice her eyelids starting to droop and stifle a yawn myself. "I think it's time we both got some rest."

"You're probably right." Ameline stands, setting her empty mug in the sink. She turns back to me, looking almost shy. "Thank you, Gabe. For everything."

Before I can react, she leans in and brushes her lips against my cheek in a featherlight kiss. My skin tingles where her mouth touched.I can't help but hug her while I breathe in the faint scent of her shampoo and feel her curves press against me.

"Good night," she murmurs.

"Good night." I finally make myself let go. She gives me one last grateful smile before padding off to the staircase.

* * *

Once I clear the kitchen,I find Archer in the library. He's leaning against one of the big oak shelves, reading a book. His eyes light up when they meet mine. "How is she?"

I run a hand through my hair and sigh. "Asleep, finally. It's been a long day."

Archer nods, pushing off from the shelf to stand up straight. "I can't believe that not even her brother will help her."

My jaw tightens as I remember the phone call with Cedric. His outright refusal to help his own sister. His father forbade it, and he can't lose his financial support. Not for her. It's as if she just became a thing he can discard.

"He won't even talk to her," I say bitterly. "If by any chance Dad disowned one of my siblings, I would be right there for them."

"Not that your father would do something like that with any of you," Archer adds.

"Exactly." Not to brag, but we have the best parents in the world. They love us unconditionally. This is why I can't understand Richard Lewis's behavior though. Indigo and Lyndon are adopted and Mom and Dad adore them just as much as they do us, their biological children.

Archer shakes his head, his eyes darkening with anger on Ameline's behalf. "That's messed up. She needs her family right now."

"I know," I reply. "But at least she has me."

"She has you, and I think you need to tell her how you feel," Archer states.

I shake my head, a wave of fear mixed with desperation washing over me. "No. It's not the right time," I say, more to convince myself than him.

"You've had feelings for her since the day you met her. I know the timing is horrible. But life's short, dude. We don't always get a perfect moment. Sometimes, you just have to jump. Tomorrow is not guaranteed."

Says the guy who at twenty-one decided it was time to marry the love of his life. They'll have a big wedding later, but for now Piper and Archer are happy in their honeymoon period, not letting anyone or anything interfere with their happiness. I just don't know if I can do the same.

"This isn't the time," I push back. "She's vulnerable, and the last thing she needs is to have her only friend declare his love for her." I place my hand on his shoulder. "Right now, she just needs my support."

"You're fucking this up," he says. "By not telling your family, best friends, and keeping your feelings back. Don't do something you'll regret soon."

"I won't," I say, knowing better than him.

"Fine, I'm getting the fuck out but think about what I just said."

I'm left wondering if he's right. Should we seize happiness where we can, even when it might be temporary? Or is it better to protect the ones we care for, even if it means ignoring our own hearts? I don't have the answer. All I know is that Ameline needs me. And right now, that's enough.

I sink into the armchair by the fireplace, exhausted but unable to sleep. My mind churns with unanswered questions.

What if Archer is right? What if we only get one life, so shouldn't we make the most of it? I can't deny my own feelings for Ameline. From the moment I saw her, something stirred inside me that I've never felt before. A longing, a connection on a level I can't explain.

I glance at my watch. It's after midnight, and morning will come too soon. As my eyelids grow heavy, my thoughts drift back to Ameline sleeping peacefully upstairs. So lovely, so fragile. For now, all that matters is being there for her. After everything she's endured, she deserves that.

Tomorrow I'll sort out my feelings. My last thoughts before sleep claims me are of her—the sparkle in her eyes, her melodic laugh. The way just being near her makes me feel whole. I want that feeling to last forever. For now, keeping her close is enough to warm my soul. Everything else can wait.