Chapter 9 - THE CHILD WHO CALLED HIM MISTER GIANT
Lily was found safe with Tessa's aunt.
Police arranged temporary protective accommodation.
When Tessa saw her daughter, she collapsed to her knees.
“Lily!”
The little girl ran toward her.
“Mommy!”
Tessa wrapped her arms around her.
She cried into Lily's hair.
For several minutes, neither let go.
Gideon stood near the doorway.
He had faced armed men without blinking.
But watching a mother hold her child made his chest ache in a way he didn't understand.
Lily eventually noticed him.
She stared.
Then whispered, “Mommy?”
Tessa looked up.
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Who's the giant?”
Gideon blinked.
Tessa laughed through tears.
“That's Mr. Shaw.”
Lily studied him.
“Are you a giant?”
Gideon crouched.
“No.”
She frowned.
“You're very tall.”
He nodded seriously.
“I've been told.”
Lily considered that.
Then held out her stuffed rabbit.
“This is Captain Buttons.”
Gideon looked at the rabbit.
Then shook its paw.
“Pleasure to meet you, Captain.”
Lily giggled.
May you like
Tessa watched them.
And for the first time in months, she smiled without fear.
