Sean noticed the flicker of disappointment in Claire’s eyes. He frowned slightly, crouched down in front of her, and said gently, “We’ve been walking for ages—you must be in pain. Come on, let me carry you.”
His words nearly brought tears to Claire’s eyes.
Anyone could see that her limp was severe. Yet since she’d left prison, not a single family member had ever asked if her leg hurt, nor bothered to find her a doctor. Even her own brother, Ethan, had mocked her for “faking it” the day she was released.
Only the Fosters had ever truly considered her feelings.
Her grandmother had specially hired a professional physical therapist to massage her legs every day, easing her pain. Grace made nourishing meals for her three times a day, never missing a single one.
And now, even Mr. Foster was so thoughtful, so gentle with her… The warmth of his concern made Claire’s heart melt. Her nose stung, eyes turning red.
She spoke softly, “Mr. Foster, I—”
But Sean cut her off, his voice gentle but firm. “No need to say anything. Just get on.”
Claire hesitated, but finally leaned forward, draping herself over his broad, steady back.
Sean lifted her with ease and began to walk on, step by steady step.
His back was wide and reassuring—a safe harbor she’d never known before. For a while, neither of them spoke. Claire breathed in the subtle scent of cedar that clung to Sean’s shirt, crisp and clean, soothing her nerves.
With every breath, her worries faded away. Her eyelids grew heavy and slowly closed.
Sean walked a long way, and Claire didn’t say a word the whole time. He could feel the way her breathing evened out, her body gradually relaxing.
By the time Jeffry Moore pulled up in the Rolls-Royce, Claire was fast asleep on Sean’s back.
He gently settled her into the backseat, carefully tucking her in so she wouldn’t wake.
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