Tears prick my eyes witnessing their first embrace. The way Maddie pats his stubbly cheek. The way Blake looks at her like she’s the most precious thing in the universe.
“When’s her birthday?” he asks.
“January seventeenth. She just turned six months old.”
“I’ve missed so much,” he says heavily. Then his expression brightens. “I’d love to see pictures, if you have any?”
“Sure, I have tons.”
We sit together at the kitchen table, Maddie settled happily on Blake’s lap, and I swipe through a seemingly endless album of photos. Blake points to one of me in a hospital bed, exhausted but glowing as I cradle a swaddled newborn Maddie.
“Is this from the day she was born?” At my nod, he traces a fingertip over the image, his expression reverent. “Tell me everything.”
So I do.
I tell him about the grueling thirty-six hours of labor. About how Josie never left my side. About the overwhelming love that crashed over me the first time the doctor placed Maddie in my arms.
As I talk, I sneak glances at Blake to gauge his reaction. There’s no resentment or bitterness in his face, only rapt attention and a wistful sort of longing. Like he’s trying to absorb every detail to make up for all the moments he’s missed.
“She’s so beautiful,” Blake murmurs reverently. His eyes flick up to meet mine. “Just like her mama.”
A flush heats my skin at the compliment, even as my heart aches. I flip to the next photo quickly, one of Josie holding Maddie as a newborn. But Blake reaches out, grasping my wrist gently to stop me from scrolling farther.
“Wait. Go back.”
I hesitate when I realize what photo he must have glimpsed. Me, hugely pregnant, standing in front of the mirror in just a bra and maternity leggings. I cringe internally.
I looked like a beached whale.
“I look so?—”
“Perfect.” Blake cuts me off with a low growl. “You look absolutely fucking perfect.”
My breath hitches at the blatant desire in his eyes.
“I want copies of these,” he says. “All of them. Especially the ones of you pregnant with my baby.”
His possessiveness radiates from him, and I shiver. The way he says “my baby” does funny things to my insides. It makes me ache for his touch again. It makes me wonder if seeing me carry his child turns him on as much as it seems to.
Blake’s expression grows serious as he shifts Maddie higher on his chest, his big hand spanning her back protectively. “How was the pregnancy?”
I blink at him in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“How did you feel? Were you okay?”
The concern in his voice catches me off guard. I’m not used to anyone besides Josie caring about my well-being. “It was hard,” I admit quietly. “Especially in the beginning, with all the morning sickness. But Josie helped a lot.”
He frowns. “And work? How do you support yourself?”
“I’m a substitute teacher.” Guilt twists my stomach like it always does when I think about work. “I graduated with myteaching degree while I was pregnant. But with a baby to care for, I can only work part time right now.”
Blake’s frown deepens.
“It’s tough, but Josie and I manage,” I add. I don’t want him to think I’m angling for his money or help. I have my pride.
But Blake isn’t deterred. He keeps pressing, his blue eyes intent on mine. “What about your mom? Does she help out?”
I look away, my throat tightening. “It’s just me and Josie. We don’t have anyone else.”
