It had been so long since Layla Bennet had heard those words that her eyes watered. Nick had always been an independent child. So much so that it seemed he'd stopped needing her at age seven.

But not knowing how it had happened, she suddenly found herself in her son’s arms, and he was squeezing her harder than she expected in a tight embrace.

“Please help me, Mom.”

“Stupid brat.” Layla half-laughed and half-sobbed, hugging him back. “What do you say?”

“I'm sorry, Mom,” Nick murmured. “I'm so