“Do I get to have a sleepover here?” This was the most animated I’d seen Willow all day. While
I’d never been the type to coo over little kids or babies, she was amusing as hell and I couldn’t wait
to see what she’d be like when she was feeling her best. She looked up at me expectantly, then her
mouth drooped into a frown. “Daddy doesn’t have his jammies or clothes. You should have put some
for him in my bag, too.”
“We’ll figure all of that out once he wakes up,” I promised her. It wasn’t my place to tell her
Corey’s bag was in the trunk of my car. Even if he wouldn’t mind me sharing that tidbit, I wasn’t
prepared to answer the questions she might come up with. “Now, let’s try to be quiet so he can catch
up on his sleep.”
DINNER with the family was interesting, to say the least. Even after I told Jayden to make sure Chase
knew Corey and I would never bring up his interest in kink as a topic of casual conversation, he could
not sit still. Luckily, we were able to duck out quickly, using Willow as our excuse. I didn’t miss the
way Chase visibly relaxed as we said our goodbyes.
“I should probably get her home,” Corey said as we crossed the backyard to the garage. He
sounded resigned more than anything.
“You could stay here,” I offered. Corey shook his head. I stopped, turning to face him. “I get that
it’s been a long day with a pile of stress. I’m not thrilled about the idea of you driving across town
when you still look ready to fall over. If it’s about making sure Willow’s comfortable, I will drive
both of you home and stay to help you tonight.”
“Daddy, can we stay at William’s house?” I could have kissed the pint-sized manipulator. She
lifted her head and blinked her big brown eyes at Corey, and I could see him caving. “He has the big
TV and Miss Gen said I can play on the swings when I’m feeling better. I think that I’m feeling good
tomorrow.”
“Oh, you do, huh?” Corey shook his head, glancing toward the sky.
While I hadn’t specifically suggested they sleep at my place, I felt like not correcting Willow
when she’d asked earlier had been overstepping. Now, I held my breath, hoping she didn’t decide to
throw me under the bus.
Corey sucked his bottom lip between his teeth, gaze darting from me to Willow and back. I knew
he was upset that our plans for tonight had changed, but I saw this as an opportunity to prove to him he
didn’t have to choose his happiness or parenthood. I placed a hand on his hip. “It’s fine by me. The
