“And I’ll be right here next to you on the mattress.”

Brooklyn looked down at her small bare feet, then back up at her father.

“I can stay here,” Brooklyn said, lifting her chin.

“I’ll keep watch while Dad gets his clean shirt.”

Kevin leaned forward and kissed the middle of her forehead, holding his lips there for three long seconds.

“I’ll be back before the sun comes up, I promise you both,” he said softly.

He pulled his heavy navy jacket off the back of the wooden chair and zipped it up to his throat.