It felt as if someone had cleaned me up and dressed me before they went to bed and I smiled to myself at the care they always took with me.
“Hey kiddo,” I said.
Noticing I was awake she crawled over in my direction. “Hi Leo,” she said, matching my whisper.
“Do you want to get up and have some breakfast?” I asked.
She nodded. “Mom’s asleep.”
“I know,” I said. “Why don’t we go downstairs and have pancakes?”
She smiled excitedly. “Okay.”
I stood and lifted her from the bed, carrying her out of the room and letting the door click quietly behind me.
I carried her downstairs and set her down at the bottom. “Can I put on some cartoons for you while I make breakfast.”
“Rabbits!” She cried excitedly.
I tilted my head. “Rabbits?” I asked.
“Yes!”
I had no clue what rabbits were. I clicked the TV on and the app options popped up. “Do you know where rabbits are?” I asked.
“The red one,” she said, pointing.
I clicked on it, went to the kids channel, and typed in rabbits. I didn’t expect it to come up so easily, but when she saw the first result she said, “that one!”
I clicked it and picked an episode, and stood there for a moment while the overly catchy theme song played. As the rabbits all appeared on the TV I noted how creepy they were. Their eyes were too wide and far apart, and they were weirdly 3D. But they started to sing about counting and she seemed distracted, so I went to the kitchen to cook.
I was glad for the placement of our kitchen so I was able to see her easily. I got her a cup with water and brought it to her so while she watched. Then I went about making my pancake mix and getting out the bacon.
When I glanced at Aria I couldn’t help but imagine the future. Watching her grow up, go from watching cartoons and coloring, to school, and even further. It felt all laid out for us, and I wanted it all. I knew Hawthorne was right trying to take things slow, but I didn’t know if I could. I wanted to give them everything and more, and right now that started with pancakes.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
HARPER
Istretched my body, feeling slightly sore but pleasantly sated. Last night was wonderful. These men were so different yet so loving, each giving me something different I craved.
When I rolled, Jasper was still there next to me, his normally perfectly styled hair covering his face. No one else was in bed anymore, the other side empty. I tried to wiggle from Jasper’s grasp, but as I did, it tightened.
I turned to see him looking at me, his eyes half-lidded. My cheeks heated just taking in how hot he was. “Good morning, beautiful,” he said, pulling me in for a kiss.
I went easily, melting into him. “Good morning. What time is it?”
“Nine,” he said. “Aria was up at seven, and Leo took her downstairs when she crawled into bed with us.”
“She did that?” I didn’t even notice.
“Yeah, but don’t worry. He’s an early riser anyway.”
I smiled. I hadn't slept until nine since college. “Well that’s nice of him.”
He sniffed a bit and groaned. “Do you smell that?” he asked.
I inhaled but didn’t notice anything different. “No.”
