"Be careful, Daddy. I may like it too much," I say once he's behind the wheel.
"Like what, boy?"
"You taking care of me," I admit.
"Good. You should like it, because it's exactly what I'll do."
I melt right there on the spot.
"I messaged Ethan to tell him what happened. He gave us a few days off work."
"Both of us?"
Daddy gives me a weird look.
"Of course, both of us. I'm not leaving you alone."
Dear heart, I'm the luckiest man alive.
For now, I feel calm, and I manage to push thoughts of my brother to the back of my mind. I close my eyes for the short drive back to Daddy's place.
It's not the first time I've had a concussion, so I know the drill. Besides, it isn't as bad as some of the other times. In two days, I'll be completely back to normal.
When we arrive, Daddy helps me out of the car. But when I take a step forward, he stops me and swoops me in his arms.
"Whoa. Daddy, what are you doing?"
"I'm taking care of my boy."
He strides forward with me in his arms, bridal style. I hide my smile in his chest and cling to him.
How is he so perfect?
Some days, I still can't believe he's mine.
Once we're in his apartment, he positions me on the couch, drapes a blanket over me, and brings me water to drink. When he settles next to me and hugs me, I can sense there's some question coming. I'm not looking forward to it.
"Can I ask you something?" I nod, waiting for whatever he's about to say next. "What happened when Aziel came to the emergency? You were distraught, this much I could tell. But I couldn't read you."
I sigh and bite my lip, scrambling to think of an answer. In the end, I decide to be honest.
"I was worried and afraid," I admit.
"About what?"
Daddy starts playing with my hair, and I relax a bit.
"About you seeing your ex-husband for the first time since you divorced."
I hold my breath as I wait for his response. His hand on my hair freezes, and I worry I'm right to fear it.
"There's more you're not telling me."
He looks me in the eyes and waits patiently. The next words just spill out of me.
"What if seeing Aziel again brings back feelings? What if seeing him is all it takes for you to realize you still love him? What if I'm doomed to always be second to him and share a space in your heart with the ghost of my brother?"
What I don't say is the question I fear the most…what if you choose Aziel when you see all of me and learn about all that I've done?
