She burrows into my chest, as if starved of human touch. “This is nice.”
It’s fucking torture.
“Your family is wonderful, Warren.” She goes on, unaware of the war raging inside of me. “Today reminded me of my family. It made being away from them this year a lot easier. I can’t believe your mom got me a Christmas gift too.”
I stiffen, and Harriet notices the change in my body language. “What happened?”
Reluctantly, I pry her off me. “Wait here.”
I double time it to my room, snatch the poorly wrapped gift off the dresser, and return to where Harriet waits patiently. Not wanting to overthink it, I thrust it toward her. “Merry Christmas. Sorry it’s late.”
Her smile is reserved at first as she tears into the paper. When the contents reveal themselves, her expression shifts. Blooming bright like a winter sunrise over the smoky mountains, she beams at the small journal in her hands. When she looks at me, the pure, unfiltered joy and beauty hit me square in the chest. Bullseye.
All I can think is,I did that.That smile belongs to me.
“A pregnancy journal?” Her fingers trace the foiled gold lettering.
Clearing my throat, I bob my head. “My sister had one. Never put it down. You can stick the ultrasounds in there. It’s for after the baby arrives too. First smile. First sneeze. First blowout.” I tap the cream, leather-bound book. “There’s even a section about baby’s favorite lullaby.”
She chews on her bottom lip. At first, I think she doesn’t like it—until I notice it wobbling.
“Ah, shit. I made you cry.”
“Well, yeah. If you keep doing sweet stuff like this, of course I’m going to cry.” She pokes my cheek, forcing me tolook at her. “I love it, Warren. So much. I feel bad I didn’t get you anything.”
I snatch her wrist, wanting to remove her hand, and instead rest it against my jaw. “Nah. I don’t need anything. Seeing that pretty smile of yours is the best gift.”
A deep blush disappears behind the collar of her T-shirt, and my eyes catch on her pebbled nipples.
My cue to leave before I say or do something I’ll really regret.
Bending down, I press a chaste kiss to her cheek, taking one last hit the rosy scent. “Sweet dreams, Harriet.”
Twice in a day, I’ve had my lips on her.
Two times too many.
TWENTY-FOUR
HARRIET
Snug as a bug,I drag the covers up to my chin and sigh happily.
Unlocking my phone, I squint at the bright screen as I open the group chat.
Harriet: Operation Meet Parents was a success!
Talia: Knew you’d charm them. Who wouldn’t love our girl?!
Margot: Yay! I was manifesting good things for you all day.
Parker: How was Daddy Warren? Open up at all?
I chew my lip before responding and tap the edge of my phone case.
I’m tempted to tell them about the two run-ins we had today—both ending with his lips on my skin. This is my first co-parenting relationship, but I’m pretty sure we’re notsupposed to go around doing that. I’m also still mortified at the way I ambushed him with that hug, and don’t even get me started on the intensity of his words in the pantry, as if he was making an oath.
We’re a team.
