The way she tried to say his name and other words was adorable. That along with Lyric’s soft chuckle made my heart so full.
They are mine.
“Yeah, sweetie. You can sleep with us anytime.”
I had to fight back the laughter that bubbled inside me at Lyric’s raised eyebrows. He was probably worried about sexy time. But I had a feeling Autumn would love her room again or get used to it. That didn’t mean we didn’t all have some bad nights.
And she was ours to protect.
Lyric reached over Autumn and grasped my hand in his. Then he laid our joined hands gently on her side.
“I love you, girls,” Lyric said. “Sleep tight and don’t let the bedbugs bite.”
A huff of breath left Autumn’s small body. “No bite. Love.”
Then within seconds, the sounds of tiny, soft snores filled the room.
The day had been full of worry, fear, and a traumatizing event, but with Lyric and Autumn lying next to me it all washed away and the love I had filling every pore of my body took over.
“I love you too,” I whispered.
My house and heart were full oflove.
ChapterTwenty-Three
LYRIC
They owned my heart.
It beat uncontrollably as I held my girls in my arms.
I hadn’t thought much about having a family beyond my parents for so long and then Ruby walked into my life, bringing so many amazing people with her and bringing me even closer to those I already had in my life. In a short time, they were mine.
Not just Ruby and Autumn, but everyone in the house along with our friends too.
I’d told Ruby I wanted all of her heart and I’d meant it.
“I want to marry you and have babies with you.”
I hadn’t meant to say it out loud and although it was a whisper, a reply came.
“Sounds like a dream.”
Ruby had been so still, I thought she’d been asleep. But her words fueled the desire to make it all come true. And soon.
“It’s our dream, sweetheart. We can make it happen.”
“Hmm,” she said and then let out a wistful sigh.
And then she was fast asleep.
I hoped she was dreaming of me.
Ofus.
ChapterTwenty-Four
RUBY
