Laughter bubbles from Lily, prompting Larkin to giggle as well, and the sound just floors me.The laughter from my child is the most beautiful sound I have ever heard.Until I hear her speak.
“Mama.”Her tiny hand reaching out to touch Lily’s parted lips, and my heart explodes.
“Hi baby.”She kisses the tips of Larkin’s fingers.“Did you have fun with Grandma?”
“She was so good.”
I had completely forgotten about her mother.I was so transfixed on Larkin.She’s next to Lily now, smiling down at her granddaughter as she begins to talk to her in a baby voice.“I’m going to go now though.I think Mommy will be fine.”
She glances up at me as she completes her sentence, directing her attention to me now.“She will be, right?”
“Of course.”I assure her, nodding my affirmation.“Completely fine.I’m not here to cause any problems.”
“I checked you and that band out online.”Her eyes narrowing.“You know that’s not any kind of life for a baby?”
“Yes, ma’am.”I scratch at my chin, my nerves raw by this point.“I wouldn’t-” I pause for a second to collect my thoughts.“I understand.”
“Let’s hope so.”She graces me with a tight smile.“Lily has been through enough.”
“Mom.”Lily admonishes with an eye roll.“Enough.Luc didn’t even know about any of this until thirty minutes ago.”
“Well, maybe if he treated you like a lady, instead of a tramp, and gotten your number, that wouldn’t have been the case.”She retorts, crossing her arms.
“Mom.”Lily chides.“I thought I explained to you this morning that we had every intention of exchanging numbers, I just got hit before that could happen.”
She shakes her head, absently sliding Larkin into my arms, my eyes popping wide as I stare down at the bundle I’m now holding, as Lily continues to argue with her mom.Any noise from them is silenced as I behold the wonder I’m staring down at.
“Hi Larkin.”I murmur softly to her.“I’m your dad.”
Her eyes latch onto mine, her smile gummy as she beams up to investigate me.I adjust her in my arms, marveling at how absolutely precious and small she is.
“You might be the prettiest girl I’ve even seen.”I trace a finger down her arm, her little fist grasping onto it when I reach her hand.Little does she know, that hold is one I’m going to treasure and cherish forever.
“I’m sorry about that, Luc.”Lily’s hand on my arm grabs my attention a moment later.“She’s just being protective.”
I look around and realize her mom isn’t here anymore.
“You don’t have to apologize.”I tell her.“I like that she’s protective of you.It’s a sign of a good mom.She loves you.”
“Thank you for understanding.”Her face softens as she takes us in.Me and Larkin.“She looks good on you.”
“Who would have thought?”I chuff, startling Larkin.“Sorry little one.”
“So, now what?”She throws out the question that’s been running like a train through my thoughts since I found her yesterday.
“I guess that’s what we have to figure out.”
Chapter 20
Luc
Right Now
Van Halen
“Say that again?”Dean leans forward, propping his elbows on his knees as he does, like being closer to me will make what I just said any different.
“Lily had a baby, and it’s mine.”I repeat, saying it slow and loud so there’s no confusion.
