“I need you to know, Cole, that I will never let anyone hurt you again.” My head rolls on the hard floor, and I gaze at his side profile. “Your father will never come close to you or your mom again. I swear it.” He doesn’t reply, but that’s fine. I don’t need him to. His hand in mine is enough for now. I’d live and die a thousand lifetimes to relive this moment, and if this is his only surrender, I’ll take it. “I’ll protect you.”
