I remained exactly where I was, keeping my hands to myself, as I waited for her to take what she needed from me. Eventually, she did. With a huge sob, Shannon scrambled onto my lap and threw her arms around my neck, clinging to me in a way I knew I would never fully deserve. “Don’t leave me—” Tightening her arms around my neck, she buried her face in my chest and whispered, “Please don’t go…” Exhaling a broken sigh, I wrapped her up in my arms and held her to me. “I won’t.” Tightening my hold on her frail body, I rocked her gently. “I’m right here.” Exhaling a ragged breath, I ducked my face
...more
