Free Keeping Hope (Broken Girl Series) by Rachael Tonks

tone. Even Kennedy knew my dad isn’t her biggest fan. “I don’t even know what to say. I never thought I would be back with you. I love you.”
    “I love you, Kennedy. I can’t imagine my life without you and the baby. I have been out of my mind since they took you. It’s been total hell not knowing where you were or if you were even alive.”
    Ken’s eyes fill with tears. I run my finger under her eyes, wiping away the tears.
    “Promise me he didn’t hurt you.”
    “I promise.” She smiles sadly. “Let’s get inside before Hope wonders where we are. She hasn’t had it easy.”
    “You’re so good with her, Ken. You will be a fantastic mommy to this little princess.” I point to her growing belly.
    She lifts on to her tiptoes and kisses my forehead lovingly.
    “I smell so bad,” she giggles. “I really need to get cleaned up.”
    “I didn’t want to say anything, but you’re right,” I chuckle.
    “Hey, no fair,” she sulks her lip, curling it downward as she tries to accentuate her sadness.
    “We all have rooms here. I thought it was best. It’s getting real late and I knew you would be tired. The police will be along to speak to you and then we will head home tomorrow. Mom is sending a car for us. It’s a long trip. You need your rest.”
     
    Kennedy
     
    As we walk through the motel, Hope clings to my side. I turn my head to see paramedics and a few police officers walking toward us. Hope buries her head into my side and I know she’s scared.
    “It’s okay, honey. They’re here to make sure we’re okay. To check that we’re not hurt.” I feel her head nod against my side, but she doesn’t release her hold on me
    The police grab some quick information from me before advising they will be back later to take further statements. I know they are shocked by the magnitude of what has happened. I got the impression they aren’t exactly equipped to deal with this.
    We spend the next thirty minutes getting checked over by the paramedics. I stay with Hope. I know she can’t bear to be parted from me. They quickly dress my wounds and check the baby’s heartbeat. I’m assured that both my baby and Hope are safe; neither one of them harmed in anyway.
    As soon as the medics are done, we head up to our room. I’m desperate to get cleaned up and rid myself of the stench that reminds me of being at the commune.
     

     
    The warm water cascading over my weak body feels heavenly. I lift my head under the direct spray of the water. I hear Hope and Cole singing loudly in the bedroom. Although she’s a happy little soul, she has been through so much. I can’t blame her for clinging on to me for dear life. I shut off the shower, grab the towel from the rail, and head toward the mirror. The dark circles are extreme but I don’t care. I’m safe, alive, and in one piece; well at least my body is. My mind won’t rest until I know Christopher is locked away for good.
    A loud knock on the bathroom door causes me to jump.
    “I have something for you, baby.” I relax at the sound of Cole’s voice. I wrap the towel around my body and open the door slightly.
    “Oh yeah, what’s that?” I ask, raising my eyebrows suggestively. He groans in response.
    “Baby, don’t. I can barely hold it together here,” he speaks breathlessly.
    I look at him with heavy eyes, knowing exactly how difficult he’s finding all of this.
    “Take this,” he offers, handing me a bag.
    “What is it?” I quiz.
    “The owner of the motel has given us some clothes for you. She said that her daughter is about your size. She even gave us some things for Hope,” he says sprightly.
    “Oh, that’s so kind.” I take the bag and start to close the door. “I will be out in a second.”
    I rifle through the huge bag of clothes and toiletries. This is too kind. There’s everything from pants to face cream. I pull out underwear, a top, and pants. Everything fits lovely apart from the bottoms.
    My bump is prominent and stops me