Chapter 40

(IVY POV )

I turned the key in the lock, feeling the cool metal bite against my palm.

Lily was a fragile weight in my arms, her head resting against my shoulder.

She was too quiet, and every few seconds I glanced down at her, trying to catch any sign of discomfort or pain.

“Just a little longer, sweetheart,”

I murmured to her as I jiggled the gate to make sure it was securely fastened.

Ethan stood beside me, his small hand slipping into mine, his face a mixture of worry and curiosity, glancing up at me with those questioning blue eyes of his.

With a sigh, I squeezed his hand gently.

“Come on, buddy,”

I said, adjusting Lily’s position in my arms and guiding him toward the car.

The taxi driver watched us with mild interest, his head poking out of the window, eyes calm but alert.

He had one of those faces that gave nothing away not a hint of a smile, just a sort of steady patience.

"Do you know Maplewood Junction?"

I asked when we were close enough, feeling the tightness in my