“I wanted to be good,” she whispered, her voice small, cracking under the weight of everything she carried. “I thought… if I could just figure out what I was supposed to feel, I could stop making everything so hard for you and Roland. For us.”
Levi’s hands stayed so gentle on her face, his forehead coming to rest lightly against hers as he kissed her there, slow and tender. “Little miss, listen to me. Youaregood. There’s nothing you need to do or figure out to earn that. You’re good just the way you are. Even when you’re confused. Even when you’re scared. Even when you make mistakes.”
The words hit something deep in her chest, and her breath hitched as warmth flooded through her, chasing away some of the cold that had clung to her for so long.
“I don’t want you to worry about making things hard for us,” Levi said, his voice that steady, grounding rumble she could lean on. “You’re not. Wewantto be here for you. We want to help you through the hard parts. That’s what it means to be your Daddy. That’s what it means to love you.”
Her tears kept falling, but they felt different now—softer, as if they were washing away the fear, the guilt, the loneliness. She pressed closer, her body finally starting to relax, to believe, even just a little. “I want to stay,” she said, her voice shaking with how much she meant it. “I want to be yours. I don’t want to hide from life anymore.”
She felt Levi’s arms tighten around her, his heart beating steadily beneath her cheek. His voice wrapped around her, safe and sure. “Youaremine, babygirl. All mine. And Roland’s too. No more worrying about where you belong. You belong right here.”
Sydney nodded, the truth of it sinking in, comforting her more than she could ever say. She let herself rest against him, letting the safety of his arms and his words lull her deeper into peace.
Levi tucked the blankets around her again, shifting so she could settle fully against his chest. His hand rubbed slow, soothing circles on her back, over and over, steady and patient. “That’s it, sweetheart. Just let Daddy take care of you. You’ve done enough for today. We’ll face the rest together, when you’re ready.”
A soft sigh slipped from her lips as the last of the tension drained away. And as sleep began to pull at her again, warm and safe and his, Sydney let go, knowing Levi would hold her through the night, exactly where she was meant to be.
Chapter Sixteen
Sydney
The first thing Sydney noticed when she woke was the light. It was so soft and golden. The most stunning brilliance spilling through the curtains like a promise. The second was the quiet hum of voices from somewhere beyond her door, low and familiar. For a moment, she lay still beneath the cozy blanket, listening. The tightness in her chest, the weight that had pressed on her for so long, felt lighter this morning. She felt... safe. Safe, cared for and cherished in a way she wasnotgoing to take for granted.
A sweet, unfamiliar smell drifted in, something toasty, sugary and absolutely to-die-for. She sat up slowly, brushing her hair back from her face, and padded barefoot toward the kitchen, drawn by the sounds and smells.
Roland’s voice came first, full of enthusiasm. “You’re not even ready for how good these are gonna be. You know as well as I do, Levi, Pop-Tarts areiconic. Any self-respecting Daddy knows this is the way to get into a Little’s heart.”
Levi’s rumbling reply made Sydney smile. “That ain’t breakfast, Ro. That’s dessert disguised as food. She’s gonna getused to it and think I’m a mean Daddy when I make her eat something with actual protein.”
Sydney hesitated in the doorway, peeking in. Roland stood at the counter, fussing over a toaster like it was a high-stakes operation, his expression bright and boyish. Levi leaned against the opposite counter, arms folded, pretending to glare, but his mouth was twitching at the corners.
“Good morning,” Sydney said softly, unable to hide the smile tugging at her lips.
Both men turned at once, their faces lighting up at the sight of her.
“Well, there’s our little bird,” Roland said, crossing the room to her in two quick steps. He bent and kissed her temple, his hand warm on her back.
Levi followed, wrapping a strong arm around her shoulders and pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Morning, baby. Sleep well?”
How could she not? She’d awoken once and discovered that Roland had not only come home, but had joined them in bed. It had been such an incredible feeling, one of safety and coziness that she’d snuggled deeper into the covers and fallen back asleep. She nodded, warmth flooding through her at the simple affection. The sight of Roland brushing a crumb from Levi’s shirt, Levi stealing a quick kiss in return. It filled up something empty inside her. This. This was what she’d dreamed of, the casual intimacies shared between partners. No matter what shape that partnership took. Or how many people it had in it, apparently.
Roland gestured dramatically to the toaster. “Okay, okay. I know it’s not, like, a proper breakfast?—”
“Darn right it ain’t,” Levi muttered, though the fondness in his voice gave him away.
“—but I had to go to the store yesterday, stock up on a few essentials. And after you said you’d never had Pop-Tarts before, Ihadto get them for you. It’s a cultural experience!”
Sydney giggled, covering her mouth. “I didn’t mean to make such a big deal about it! There are a fair few things I’ve never tried before... some of them I’d honestly be able to live without.” She shuddered just at the thought of having powdered sugar donuts. From a bag of all things! They were meant to be baked fresh and consumed in the same state, for goodness’ sake!
“But now itisa big deal,” Roland declared, triumphant. The toaster popped just then, making Sydney jump and Roland laugh.
Levi shook his head, but his eyes crinkled with amusement. He tugged her gently toward the table, keeping her tucked under his arm. “Come on, little miss. Let’s get you sitting down before Ro decides to introduce you to Twinkies and Cheetos, too.”
Roland shot him a grin. “Don’t tempt me.”
“I mean... wedohaveTinkies, without the oddly placed ‘w’, along with cheese naks. But I’m definitely not opposed to trying your wackier American versions,” Sydney teased as she slid onto a chair, feeling shy and glowy all at once.
She watched as the two of them moved around each other, casual touches and easy kisses exchanged in between grabbing plates and napkins. When Levi brushed past Roland, his hand lingered at his waist. When Roland passed Levi the butter, his fingers squeezed Levi’s for just a second longer than needed.
