Redeeming 6 (Boys of Tommen, #4)

by Chloe Walsh

And there he was. My Joey. He was still in there. His heart was still beating inside that shell.

“I’m not like the rest of them, you know. I’m not ever going to give up on you.” Sniffling she added, “Remember that, Joe.” “Why tell me that?” I asked, thoroughly fucking rattled by her words. She looked me dead in the eyes when she said, “So you can stop disappointing me.”

“My Joey.” His body twitched. “My baby.” His body shook harder. That’s it. Follow my voice. “Come back to me.” With trembling hands, I stroked his cheek and brushed his hair out of his eyes, before leaning in close to nuzzle him. “Because I’m not giving you up.”

“That’s my job, remember?” I joked through my tears. “I’m the one saving 6.”

“Congratulations, Dad. He’s a beauty.” Struck fucking dumb, I stared down at the baby in my arms. He was roaring like a bull, with his tiny hands balled into fists as he squirmed and stretched in my arms. “Jesus,” I breathed, cradling him in my arms as my emotions got the better of me. “You’re here.” And then he opened his eyes and looked at me. And I was done. My heart no longer beat for me. For the rest of my days, it would beat entirely for the child in my arms. Fuck.

“I’ll never leave you on your own again,” he vowed, wrapping both of his arms around me. “I will never fail you again.” I could hear the sincerity in his voice, and I needed so badly for him to be right about this. For him to stay. “It’s my turn, Molloy.” He kissed my hair. “To look after you.”

“Now kiss me and make it worth it.” Wholeheartedly complying with her wishes, I leaned in and brushed my lips against hers, shivering when I felt the familiar jolt of excitement shoot through me at the feel of her lips on mine. Shivering, she wrapped her arms around my neck and whispered the words, “Ride or die, Joe.” My heart gunned ferociously in my chest, because I knew she meant it, and when I whispered the words, “Ride or die, Molloy,” I knew I meant it, too. More than anything.

whatever comes our way, from here on out, I’ll be right beside you.” He nuzzled my nose with his before pressing a kiss to my lips. “Because in this version of forever, we get the happy ending, Molloy.”