Just there.
When she finishes, Saint changes her diaper and settles her back into the bassinet.
Then he stands there watching her like she’s the center of the universe.
“I never meant to keep her from you,” I whisper.
“I know.”
“I was scared.”
“I know that too.”
“I’m still scared.”
He nods.
“Me too.”
But he reaches for my hand anyway.
Our fingers lace together naturally.
Like they remember how.
And in that moment…
Something shifts.
I didn’t come back just for safety.
I came back because my heart was already here.
And this time…
I’m not running.
85
Saint
Idon’t tell Laney when I wake up.
I stay still and listen to her breathe.
There are a thousand things I should be doing. Calls to make. Pieces to move. Men to position in place.
Instead, I lie there and memorize the weight of her against me and pretend the world is decent for five more minutes.
Emmy stirs before either of us do.
I’m already reaching for her when she makes that small, uncertain sound. Laney shifts, but I beat her to it and lift Emmy out of the bassinet.
She fits in my arms like she always has.
Like she always will.
That thought settles into me with frightening certainty.
