My boy.
My future.
I pressed a kiss to the top of his head and whispered into the darkness, "Three more days, sweet boy. Three more days and you'll know everything."
CHAPTER 19
Tanner
The morning light was soft through the curtains, filtered by the stars still projecting across the ceiling. I'd forgotten to turn off the nightlight before falling asleep, but I didn't mind. Waking up to the gentle glow of galaxies swirling above me felt magical.
Simon was already awake beside me, propped up on one elbow and watching me with that expression that made my heart skip.
"Hey, bud," he said softly.
"Morning." I stretched, then immediately curled back into his warmth. "How long have you been awake?"
"Not long. I was just watching you sleep."
"That's not creepy at all," I teased.
He chuckled and pressed a kiss to my forehead. "Maybe a little. But you're cute when you sleep. You make these little contented sounds."
My cheeks heated. "I do not."
"You do. Like a kitten purring." He traced a finger down my nose. "It's adorable."
I buried my face in his chest, embarrassed but pleased. "You're making that up."
"I'm not, but I'll stop teasing." His hand came up to stroke my hair.
After our usual morning routine—which I was growing to love, the predictability of it, the way Simon always made sure I brushed my teeth and washed my face—we headed downstairs.
The house was quieter than usual. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve, which meant there was no time to waste relaxing inside.
Harlan was in the kitchen as always, and he greeted us with knowing smiles and fresh coffee.
"Big day today," he said, flipping pancakes on the griddle.
"Is it?" I asked, sliding onto a stool.
"Everyone's trying to get their work done early so we can all enjoy tomorrow without worrying about animals freezing or fences breaking."
"Makes sense." I accepted the coffee Simon slid across to me—perfectly prepared, as always. "Is there anything I can help with?"
"Actually—" Harlan plated pancakes and set them in front of me. "There really isn’t anything for you to do. Everyone's got their tasks sorted, and you didn’t come here to work."
I wanted to protest, to insist I could help, but Simon's hand on my knee stopped me.
"Harlan's right, bud. Color, read, play. Whatever you want."
"But—"
"That's not a suggestion." Simon's voice dropped into that firm Daddy tone. "You're going to spend today doing things that make you happy again. Understood?"
"Yes, Daddy," I said quietly.
After breakfast, Simon headed out to help with the day's work, and I found myself at loose ends. A whole day to myself.What did I even want to do? I’d already been resting a whole bunch. Any morerestand I’d lose it.
