Chapter 6 - THE BABY IN THE GLASS CRIB
Khloe named her son Oliver Thomas Bennett.
Oliver after her grandfather.
Thomas after the father who had taught her that kindness and strength could exist in the same person.
The baby remained in the NICU.
He was small.
Fragile.
Covered in sensors.
But he was alive.
The first time Khloe held him against her chest, she cried so hard she could barely speak.
"Hi, sweetheart."
Oliver moved one tiny hand.
She kissed his forehead.
"I'm your mommy."
His fingers curled.
Khloe smiled through tears.
"I'm here."
She held him carefully.
"And I'm not going anywhere."
Her brother Ethan stood nearby.
He was twenty-seven, a former Marine who now worked in emergency management.
He had driven through the night after receiving the hospital's call.
When he saw Oliver, his eyes filled.
"He's beautiful."
Khloe nodded.
"He's perfect."
Ethan looked at her.
"Where's Julian?"
She didn't answer.
Ethan understood.
His jaw tightened.
"Tell me what happened."
Khloe told him.
Everything.
The highway.
The bleeding.
The birthday party.
The SUV disappearing into the rain.
Ethan stood perfectly still.
When she finished, he whispered:
"He left you there?"
Khloe nodded.
Ethan turned toward the door.
"Where is he?"
"Ethan."
He stopped.
"Please."
Her brother looked at her.
"I won't let him hurt you again."
Khloe took his hand.
"Then help me do this the right way."
He stared.
"What do you need?"
She looked toward Oliver.
"A safe home."
Ethan nodded.
"A good attorney."
"Done."
"And someone who will remind me I'm not weak when I get tired."
Ethan's eyes filled.
May you like
He squeezed her hand.
"Every day."
