‘Yes,’ I whisper.
His gaze locks onto my mouth, tracking the damp trail my tongue left behind, though I’m sure he’s blind to everything but the words forming there.
‘Why me?’
‘I told you. Because I trust you. And I know you.’ My voice softens even more. ‘And if I could choose any man in this world, it would always be you.’
‘Tay…’
My name catches with his breath, dark eyes flickering, throat jerking. His knuckles whiten around the glass, veins rising against ink as he fights to stay steady.
But I’m not taking it back, because it’s true. He’s more solid, more real, more dependable than any faceless donor. He’ll always be there: for me, for any child I may have. He doesn’t need to be Dad for that. Heart flutters and inner fireworks aside, heisthe perfect choice.
‘Hey, sorry to interrupt, kids…’
We both jolt as Granny Anna appears out of nowhere, herdress a flurry of summer flowers, her smile warm and apologetic.
‘I thought I’d take the little one off your hands.’
Her sparkling green eyes flit between us as she gestures to Lottie.
‘I’m ready to turn in,’ she adds, ‘and I believe I’m on babysitting duty tonight.’
I look at my niece curled into me. Then at Axel, who’s staring at me like I just handed him a live grenade and dared him to pull the pin.
I hesitate, arms tightening.
It’s not about letting her go.
It’s about what I just said, what I just unleashed.
And I don’t usually lose my nerve, not when it comes to going after what I want.
But then… I’ve never wanted something this badly.
And I’ve never felt so exposed in asking for it either.
‘Darling?’ Theo’s mum prompts gently. ‘Are you okay?’
‘Yes, absolutely, of course.’ I kiss Lottie’s curls and rise, easing her into Anna’s arms.
‘I can take her,’ Axel offers, clearing his throat.
Anna waves him off with a warm laugh.
Is he trying to run? Using Lottie as cover?
‘I may have twenty years on you, Axel, but I can carry my granddaughter just fine.’
Granddaughter.I love it when she says that. Knowing my niece is Theo’s kid in all the ways that matter. Loved beyond all reason, too.
She tucks Lottie beneath her chin and glances back at us. I can’t tell if it’s emotion from the day in her gaze or concern about whatever she thinks she just walked in on, but I hope it’s the former.
‘You two enjoy the rest of the night.’
‘Goodnight,’ we say together, watching her disappear.
Silence stretches: too long, too loud, too raw.
