“I emailed you the confirmation number and itinerary. It leaves at six a.m. tomorrow.”
“Will—”
She raised her hand and cut me off again. “I know you don’t want anyone to know about Lyric. I won’t say a word, but you care about her and you’ve obviously done something really stupid. This is your chance to make it right.”
“Jesus, woman, why the hell aren’t you afraid of me?”
“Why would I be?” She smiled. “You try to show a hard outer shell, but anyone willing to see you, knows you’re all squishy inside.”
I reached out and pulled her against me, hugging her tightly. “Fuck, Willow. You scare the shit out of me.”
She hugged me back. “I know, Doom. It’s because I can see your squishy bits.”
I released her, cupping her face. “Does Dash know how lucky he is?”
“Absolutely.”
“Thanks, sweetheart.”
“Anytime, buddy. Seriously.”
She turned to walk away, but I called her name. “How did you know about my family?”
“I had a dream. I don’t know all the details, but I know you lost them.” She gave me a sad smile. “I’m really sorry, Doom.”
I gave her a chin lift, then headed upstairs.
Lyric
ISLEPT IN on Saturday, unusual for me, but I think I was still in quite a bit of shock. It might have been because I’d had my boot removed yesterday, so nothing was tugging at me. It was total freedom and I loved it.
“Shh, Sky, let Aunty sleep,” Harmony whispered outside my door.
“But she never sleeps this late.”
“Move away from Aunty’s door, Peanut,” Jaxon added, and then all was quiet.
I slid my hand to my stomach and closed my eyes again.
A baby.
It was almost too much to hope for.
“I don’t know if you’re real, Lil’ Blip, but if you are, I’m going to love you so, so much. I promise,” I whispered.
I took a deep breath and forced myself out of my cocoon of fantasy, taking a quick shower and walking gingerly downstairs where Skyler wrapped me in a bear hug. I still had to be careful, wear flats for at least six months, and avoid being on my feet for too long.
“Careful of your Aunty,” Harmony warned.
“I’m okay,” I said, and hugged Skyler back. “I’m always up for hugs from my Sky.”
Jaxon and Ares walked in a few minutes later, and Ares set his baseball cap on the island.
“No practice, huh?” Harmony asked.
“Rained out,” Jaxon said, kissing her gently, then kissing my cheek. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m good, Jax. Thanks.”
