NovelUSAChapter 261
Violet's expression faltered for a split second. McNeil called Winding Peak Lane "another place," but she'd always
assumed he already thought of her house as home.
She kept her thoughts to herself, though. She figured maybe McNeil just couldn't handle Gwyneth on his own; if
she offered to help, maybe he'd finally agree. But to her surprise, he still turned her down.
Violet had also wondered if McNeil might let Victoria cback. After all, Gwyneth had spent the entire night
searching for Victoria, and even if it was exhausting, Violet couldn't ignore it.
But on second thought, that seemed unlikely. She'd seen Victoria at the town square the day before, together
with Marcus. The way she looked at Max-could Victoria really be thinking about choosing Marcus?
"Well, if you need anything, just letknow," Violet said, her tone effortlessly warm. "You know how much | care
about Gwyn. Without her here, | just feel off. | can't stop worrying and hoping she's alright."
"I know."
McNeil's response was curt, and he hung up almost immediately. Violet was left staring at her phone, unsure
what to think.
Upstairs, Victoria had already fallen asleep, curled up with Gwyneth in her arms.
Gwyneth nestled against her mother, a peaceful smile lingering on her face. When McNeil cup, he found the
two of them sleeping, wrapped up together. He quietly closed the door, switching off the light as he left.
The house fell instantly into darkness.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAt sunrise, a sliver of light crept across Victoria's face. She shifted, slowly opening her eyes-only to find herself
pressed up against a solid, familiar chest.
Warmth surrounded her, utterly familiar, and for a moment she was startled fully awake.
Above her, she could hear McNeil's slow, steady breathing. Beside her, Gwyneth mumbled, "Mommy..."
Victoria realized she was sandwiched between father and daughter, pinned in place like the cream in a cookie,
barely daring to move.
It all cback in a rush-last night, she'd taken her daughter back to her room, but Gwyneth had clung to her
neck and refused to let go. Victoria hadn't even managed to change clothes before she drifted off to sleep, still
holding her.
She had no idea when McNeil had slipped in and joined them.
Victoria couldn't remember the last tMcNeil had held her as they slept. As she shifted, McNeil only pulled her
closer.
"McNeil, letgo-"
She tried to wriggle free, suddenly self-conscious. They were in the middle of a divorce—wasn't this completely
inappropriate?
McNeil didn't even open his eyes. He just drew her closer and mumbled, "It's still early. Stay a little longer. Just
relax..."
He spoke to her as if soothing a child. Victoria felt tears prick at her eyes, but with Gwyneth pressed close on the
other side, she didn't dare move for fear of waking her daughter.
So she lay there, letting the two of them hold her, even as her whole body tensed up.
Eventually, Gwyneth was the first to wake. She blinked sleepily at Victoria. "Mommy?"
She rubbed her eyes and sat up, then spotted her dad, still wrapped around her mom, her face confused.
"Daddy, why are you in my room, sleeping with Mommy?"
Victoria quickly pushed McNeil away and got up.
But McNeil caught her wrist, holding her back. "What's the rush?"
Victoria pulled free, keeping her distance. She'd only tolerated the contact
because Gwyneth was there; now, with their daughter watching, she didn't want to give the wrong impression.
How was she supposed to explain this to Violet later, if Gwyneth mentioned it?
nt ny : : :
It's late," Victoria said briskly.
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He threw back the covers and got out
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"Mommy, Daddy... will you both cpickup after school today?"
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