Broken

Chapter twenty-two

Elliott

Mollie was able to get me calmed down before dinner was done and thankfully no one walked into the kitchen. She's the only one who knows the truth and I won't even tell Skye because this is too much of a secret to bare and she already lost one mother. I was setting dinner on the island when I feel Jessie hug at my back. I look over my shoulder and she smiles lightly.

I turn in her arms and her arms wrap around my neck, pulling me down for a kiss. Being able to still feel her lips on mine felt like a blessing that I'll never take for granted. Being able to hold her and feel the twins kick my hands was a relief all in its own. I owe my thanks to whoever is responsible for the miracle standing before me.

She breaks from the kiss and looks at me with concern. I look at her confused and she wipes a tear I didn't realize slipped from my lashes. Thankfully she doesn't question it and gives me another kiss. I smile lightly and she turns to look at the variety of food I made. "Everything looks and smells delicious, thank you," she says kissing my cheek.

"You're welcome, Mollie helped me," I say with a light smile and help her fix a plate with a little of everything. "I'll take you in a relaxing bath later. I just want to keep you as relaxed as possible, Mollie too."

She nods with a smile and takes her usual seat at the table. Mollie was now fixing herself a plate and looks at me with concern, knowing the truth behind me suddenly so protective. I give her a kiss and she smiles lightly, taking a seat next to Jessie. I make up plates for Skye and Macy and they were sitting on either sides of Jessie and Mollie.

I fight back the tears knowing the girls need their time with them too and I can't be selfish. I can't show it bothers me I can't sit next to Jessie because than everyone will ask questions. I make a plate and sit beside Sarah. I let out a sigh and it catches their attention, well shit. "Elliott," my mother asks with concern.

"I'm tired, didn't sleep last night," I say quietly and thankfully no one else says anything because they know my reason for not sleeping, just not the whole reason.

"I'm sorry," Jessie chokes in a cracked whisper, blaming herself.

"Don't apologize for something that was out of your control," I say in a soothing whisper and look at Mollie. "And don't you apologize for his actions. He decided to come here in the middle of the night. He thought he would be able to..."

I couldn't finish was I was trying to say because a thick lump filled my throat as tears came crashing down my cheeks. I abruptly leave the table and step out the kitchen door to the back deck. Way to keep strong Elliott, I scold myself. I crumble to my knees and hear two sets of small feet walk out on the deck. Macy climbs in my lap with her head on my chest and I held her close to me. Skye hugs at my back and kisses my cheek.

I shutter a calming breath from the comfort of my children and move us to the swing, holding them on either side of me. I gently push the swing with my legs and lean my head back. I close my eyes with relief I was able to keep my family safe and not get hurt in the process. I feel sleep catch up with me and let it take me while I sat with my children outside.

Jessie

Skye walks in from outside with tears in her eyes and we all go outside to investigate before giving her a chance to speak. Elliott was sound asleep with tears frozen in their tracks with Macy curled up in her lap asleep. I smile at the sight and go back in by Skye. She comes in my arms with her tears soaking my shirt.

"I've never seen daddy so broken down, she's always so strong," she chokes between sobs and I rub her back comfortly.

"Daddy holds it in until she can't," I say quietly and she shutters a calming breath.