COHEN

Ellie’s tear-stained face looked up at me and I squeezed her to me, hating the hurt in her eyes.

“I shouldn’t have yelled.”

I shook my head. “It had to be done. Nothing else was working.”

Ellie nodded, and she looked down, pressing her forehead against my chest.

“Let’s get you to bed.”

Ellie sighed and shook her head. “I’d rather bake.”

I chuckled and squeezed her tighter. “Whatever you want.”

I wrapped my arm ...