I press my forehead to hers, my eyes closing as I breathe her in. “You both belong here. With me. And I swear, I’ll never let you all leave me again.”
???
Turning on the coffee machine, a grin spreads across my face as I think about last night. About how Anna ignored me all through dinner and shot daggers at me when I introduced her to Liala’s nanny. But amid all her irritation, one thing made my chest swell with a quiet warmth and happiness: spending half the night wide awake with my daughter curled against me. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of holding my little girl.
It’s just her mother who’s the real challenge. Stubborn as hell, a tough nut I’ll have to crack.
As if sensing my thoughts, Anna steps into the kitchen.
Her hair is pulled into a messy bun, and she’s wearing one of those simple T-shirts that should be illegal, making her look both effortless and devastatingly beautiful.
She heads straight for the coffee machine, completely ignoring me, like I’m not even here.
I lean against the counter, my arms crossed. “Morning.”
She pours herself a cup, takes a sip, then finally meets my gaze. “Where’s Liala?”
“Asleep in her crib,” I say, picking up my coffee mug and taking a sip. “She spent most of the night in my arms before I put her down.”
“You should’ve woken me.”
“She was fine,” I reply. “And for the record, I think she loves sleeping on my chest. The way her tiny body relaxes against me… it makes me realize just how much I’ve longed for this.”
“Don’t even think about starting this again,” she snaps. “Especially don’t throw it in my face like I stole something from you on purpose. I did what I thought was best.”
“You thought hiding my daughter was best?” My voice hardens. “You thought ripping two years away from me was best?”
Her lips press together, holding back any retort, and before she can say anything else, Liala’s cry pierces the quiet through the baby monitor on the counter.
Anna sets her cup down. “I’ll get her.”
But I’m already moving. “I’ve got her.”
I take the stairs two at a time and enter her room to find my daughter awake. I walk up to her and immediately scoop her into my arms. The second she clings to me, burying her face in my shoulder like I’m her safe place, I swear I could take on the whole damn world for her.
By the time I carry her back downstairs, Anna is waiting in the kitchen, her arms outstretched.
“Hand her to me, Landon.”
“She’s fine with me.”
“She needs her breakfast,” Anna huffs.
“I know.” I pull out the high chair and settle Liala into it. “Which is why her cereal is already ready.” I point to the counter. “Banana oatmeal. I read it’s good for toddlers. I wasn’t sure if she prefers it warm or room temperature, so I made both.”
Anna blinks, caught off guard. “You… did research?”
I shrug, trying to play it cool. “Of course I did. She’s my daughter.”
Anna sighs and slides into the chair across from me. She helps feed Liala, who laughs and smears oatmeal all over her cheeks. The sight twists something deep inside me. This little family picture feels so right, and yet so damn fragile.
“You can stop looking so smug,” Anna mutters as she wipes Liala’s chin. “One night of playing dad doesn’t make you a perfect father.”
I slam my hand down on the counter, making her flinch. Liala goes still, her wide eyes darting between us. The moment I see that, I pull in a slow breath and rein in my temper, not wanting to scare my daughter. Still, I manage to get the words out in a low voice.
“Yes, one night won’t make me a perfect dad. But I won’t give up until I become one… for my daughter, who deserves nothing less.”
Regret flashes in Anna’s eyes, but I don’t bother to hear her response. I turn away and leave, guilt already gnawing at me for losing my control in front of my daughter.
