I shut off the lights and get into bed with them. Emily’s little body curls up against mine, and rightness fills my chest.
I came so close to losing the three of them tonight. We could have been over before we really got started, and that thought alone terrifies me.
They are okay.
They got out.
You kept them safe.
This needs to end.
I’ll do whatever it takes to keep my family safe. Come hell or high water, this ends now.
Waking up slowly, I stretch. I feel the bed next to me is cold and sigh. I know I should get up and find everyone, but I don’t have the energy to. Last night was rough. It took me forever to fall back asleep after everything went down. Then I was so on edge that every little creak of the house woke me up.
Every time I opened my eyes, without fail, Mac was awake. He held Emily close to his chest, and every so often, he would reach over and touch Tanner and then me as he watched the door. He was on guard, ready to take out anyone who dared to hurt us.
I think last night affected him as much as it did the kids and me.
Which makes me fall just a little bit farther for him.
Sighing, I get out of bed. After going to the bathroom and splashing water on my face, I head out to find everyone, only to come to a stop when I see them.
Mac stands at the kitchen island where he has a griddle set up, shirtless, his muscles on display, and gray sweatpants low on his hips. He’s got a smile on his lips as he stares at my kids across from him.
“I want a leaf,” Emily tells him.
“I’ll try my best. What do you want, Tanner?” he rasps.
“Can you do a hockey stick?” my son asks hesitantly.
“You bet. It might not be very good, though,” Mac warns him.
I lean against the counter and watch as he pours pancake batter onto the griddle carefully, trying his best to do the shapes my kids requested. Reaching up, I rub my chest over my heart, and something that feels a whole lot like love rushes through me.
This man.
He never ceases to amaze me. He’s always going the extra mile when he doesn’t have to.
For crying out loud, he let me sleep in when he hasn’t slept at all and is actually spending time with the kids. Something their dad would have never dreamed of doing.
He must feel my eyes on him because he looks over at me and smiles, making my heart race.
“Good morning,a mhuirnín.”
“Morning. What are you three up to?” I ask as I push off the wall.
“Mac’s making us pancakes,” Emily tells me as she leans on the counter.
“Did you thank Mac?” I ask.
“Thank you, Mac,” my kids say robotically, making him laugh.
“You don’t have to thank me,” he tells them before he looks over at me. “Coffee’s ready if you want some. I ran over to your place and grabbed the creamer from your fridge.”
“Thank you,” I say softly.
“How did you sleep?” he asks as he flips a pancake.
