Outside the bedroom door, Rory stood motionless, his attention entirely captivated by the soft, melodic voice emanating from within. Kimber’s singing seeped through the door, wrapping around him like a warm, comforting blanket. The lullaby was simple yet profoundly moving, each note resonating with a tenderness that touched a chord deep in his heart. He found himself captivated, not just by the beauty of the song, but by the kindness and love that Kimber exuded in this act of comfort.
The secrets she held, the mysteries that masked parts of her life, seemed to fade into the background at this moment. Standing there, immersed in the song’s emotion, Rory felt a profound connection to Kimber, a realization dawning on him that he was falling in love with her. The revelation was both unexpected and overwhelming, stirring a deep emotional response. Rory felt a shift within himself, an acknowledgment of feelings that were growing stronger, more profound, and undeniably real. This unexpected epiphany, unfolding as he stood there, marked a turning point in his heart, one where affection surpassed the barriers of uncertainty and apprehension he felt, knowing there was more to the enigmatic woman on the other side of the door.
Rory was on the verge of stepping away, respecting Kimber’s moment with Chloe, when the door swung open. Kimber stood there, a faint smile gracing her face even as tears glistened in her eyes.
“Hey,” she greeted Rory, her voice carrying the unmistakable tremor of raw emotion. It was a simple word, but in the context of the evening's events, it held layers of meaning. It was a greeting, an acknowledgment of his presence, and perhaps a silent request for support.
Rory could hear the weariness in her voice, the strain of a night that had demanded so much from her emotionally. His concern immediately piqued, he reached out to her, his thumb gently brushing away a tear that had escaped down her cheek.
“You alright?” he asked softly, his eyes searching hers for a deeper understanding of her state. “What do you need?”
Kimber's response came with a sigh, heavy with the weight of the situation.
“For this to be a bad dream,” she murmured. “That little girl in there… she’s so confused. She knows her mommy is sad, and she can’t understand why her daddy isn’t here.” Her voice broke a little, revealing the depth of her empathy for Chloe.
Rory observed Kimber closely, seeing the way her eyes glistened, a testament to her deep compassion. He understood that her empathy wasn’t just a surface-level emotion. It was rooted in her own experiences, in the losses she had endured in her life. Kimber had lost her own parents when she was just a child, a parallel that made her particularly sensitive to Chloe’s situation. This personal history gave her a unique perspective on the pain and the confusion that came with it, especially for someone so young.
Rory recognized not just the kindness in Kimber’s heart but also the strength it took to face these emotions, to confront the echoes of her own past while trying to support those around her. Her empathy was a bridge, connecting her own past sorrows with the present challenges faced by Chloe and her mother. It was a testament to her resilience and her profound ability to connect with others, even in their darkest hours.
In response, Rory wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a comforting embrace. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his gesture one of support and unity.
“It sucks,” he admitted quietly. “But you’re doing an amazing thing, Kimber. We’re going to help them get through this.”
Kimber's mind, ever racing in the face of crisis, suddenly jerked in his arms.
“I need to call her dad. I didn't even think about—” Her words were cut off as Rory gently placed his fingers over her lips, silencing her mid-sentence.
“I’ve already had Atlas look into it,” he assured her, his voice calm. “They’ve arranged for him to be on a flight back home. He should be here by morning. For now, Kimber, there’s nothing more you can do.”
Kimber's eyes widened slightly in surprise and gratitude, a silent thank you communicated in her gaze.
“I assumed you'd want to stay here tonight, so Creed packed a small bag for us and dropped it off earlier while you were with Chloe.” He stepped back, holding her hand, guiding her gently. “Let’s go downstairs,” he suggested. “We can work out a plan to help make things easier for Sophie. She’s going to need all the support we can give.”
As Kimber and Rory descended the staircase, there was a solemn unity between them, a shared commitment to offer all the support they could muster. Kimber, feeling the weight of the night’s events, let herself sink into the couch, drawing her knees close to her chest in a self-protective embrace. Rory settled beside her, his arm extended along the back of the couch, a silent offer of comfort.
“What are you thinking?” Rory gently probed. His voice was soft, inviting her to share her thoughts.
Kimber's shoulder gave a slight shrug, her gaze distant as she delved into her past.
“I remember the night my parents died. When we found out they weren’t coming home… I just wanted to disappear. My brother Jaxson, he was so angry, he punched holes in the wall.” Her voice wavered slightly, the memory vivid and painful. “But then, my aunt, the same woman who would become our guardian, just walked up to Jaxson and embraced him. She whispered something to him, and it was like watching someone defuse a bomb. What he did next…” Kimber paused, lost in the recollection.
Rory, feeling the intensity of her emotions, placed his hand on her leg, gently interlacing their fingers. Kimber looked down at their entwined hands, a faint smile touching her lips despite the sadness in her eyes.
“What did he do?” Rory asked, coaxing her back from the memories.
Kimber exhaled, her eyes still tinged with the ghosts of the past.
“He stood up straight, came over to me, and pulled me into a hug. He told me, with such conviction, that no matter what, he’d always have my back. I completely broke down then, even more than before. I was only ten, and Jaxson, he was seventeen, a senior in high school. At that moment, he was more than a brother; he was my hero. And when he saw that I couldn’t shake off the grief, he suggested an outlet to help me cope. It was my aunt who introduced me to music. The piano… it became my sanctuary, my way of coping. It was where I could express everything I couldn’t put into words.”
Kimber’s muscles tensed noticeably, a reaction that seemed almost involuntary as the topic of the damaged piano surfaced. It wasn’t just any instrument; it was the very piano that had offered her solace in her darkest times, a haven during the painful journey after loss. Sensing her distress, Rory tried to reassure her with gentle words.
“Hey… I told you we’d do what we could to get it fixed.”
She began to respond, “I know—” but her reply was abruptly interrupted. A sudden, sharp cry shattered their conversation, slicing through the tense atmosphere like a knife. It was Sophie's voice, unmistakable and filled with distress.
Instantly springing into action, Kimber leaped from her seat and dashed up the staircase. Her heart pounded with a mix of concern and urgency. At the top, she found Chloe, her eyes wide with alarm, rooted to the spot outside her mother’s bedroom. Without a moment's hesitation, Rory scooped up the little girl, holding her close.
“I got you, Sophie,” Kimber whispered, her voice a soothing balm during the chaotic night as she reached Sophie’s bedside.
Rory watched silently, a mixture of concern and helplessness in his eyes. Chloe, still in his arms, squirmed, her body language a silent plea to join her mother. Understanding the unspoken request, Kimber nodded slightly, making room on the bed. Gently, Rory placed Chloe down, tucking the covers snugly around the trio. Then, with a tenderness that seemed to come naturally to him, Rory leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Kimber’s temple, a silent gesture of tenderness.
“I’ll sleep in Chloe’s bedroom,” he murmured quietly, his voice steady despite the night’s disruptions. “Call out if you need something. Her dad should be here in the morning. After that, we can figure out what’s next.”
He left the room quietly, allowing Kimber, Sophie, and Chloe the peace they needed in the darkened room. Rory's steps were soft as he made his way downstairs, a thoughtful expression on his face. He found the bags Creed had thoughtfully brought over earlier and carefully picked them up, his movements precise. As he ascended the stairs once again, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.
Reaching the room where he would spend the night, Rory flicked on the bedside lamp. The room was instantly bathed in a warm, yellow glow, casting long shadows across the walls and creating a cozy, if not slightly cramped, atmosphere. He couldn't help but snort at the absurdity of the situation—him, a grown man, preparing to sleep in a bed clearly meant for someone much smaller. The spare bedroom was out of the question, filled as it was with boxes and devoid of a bed. The couch downstairs was another option he swiftly discarded. It was essential to be close to Kimber and the girls, to be there for them at a moment’s notice, especially considering the unresolved questions of Kimber’s secret admirer that lingered in the air.
The mystery of who had sent Kimber the token of unwanted affection was still unsolved, a nagging worry at the back of his mind. If Kimber was in any kind of danger, Rory knew he couldn't afford to let his guard down, even for a moment. This protective instinct drove him to choose the inconvenient but necessary option of the twin bed.
After a moment of contemplation, Rory stripped off his shirt and pants, settling for comfort in an unfamiliar bed. He wriggled beneath the covers, shifting and turning until he found a position that was somewhat comfortable, given the circumstances. His last action before attempting to sleep was to check his phone, scrolling through text messages. He noted updates from Atlas, Creed, and Davis, his trusted team, who were tirelessly working to unravel the mystery surrounding Kimber. Rory had full confidence in their abilities; if there was something to be found, they would undoubtedly uncover it. While he was new working with the men, he knew, based on their history in the military, they wouldn’t give up until they had answers. And no matter what they found, they would undoubtedly have his back. Working for LTI was far better than babysitting Hollywood’s spoiled population.
Finally, allowing the exhaustion and the weight of the night’s events to overtake him, Rory closed his eyes. He drifted into a light, restless sleep, his senses still alert. He was ready to wake at the slightest sound, prepared to respond if Kimber or the girls needed him. At that moment, under the soft glow of the bedside lamp, Rory's presence was a silent vow of protection and vigilance, even as sleep claimed him.