A softness settles in Leo's eyes. “There's no greater thing for me than to be her father. And your partner. I promise you, Reagan. I will always show up for the two of you. Always.”
I'm a blubbering mess again. Leo wraps me in his arms as I rest a hand on Tilly, rubbing her small fingers that grasp her chin while sleeping. “I don't know what I did to deserve you.”
“Other way around, Rae. I ask myself that every day. I'm thankful every minute that I went to that club and met you. My life would be empty without you.”
“You know we would've met even if you didn't go there.”
“But then we wouldn't have this one.” Leo sighs. “I don't want to imagine my life without her.” He kisses her capped head.
I take my fill, not getting nearly enough of her. Soft, pudgy cheeks. Tiny button nose. Finger grasping her chin. “She's going to be a smart one. Already looks like she's thinking.”
“Brains and beauty. Just like her mum.”
“You really know just what to say to make a girl feel loved.”
“There's not a day that will go by where you two won't know how loved you really are.”
The love growing between us now is new. It's always been white hot, but now there's a sense of contentment. With Tilly here, it will always be the three of us. Maybe a few more siblings, but us. Leo and Reagan. What started out as a one-night stand turned into the greatest love of my life.
And what more could I ever need?
Epilogue
Reagan - Eight Months Later
“Are you sure you have everything you need?” Tilly is chewing on my hair, a gummy smile on her face.
“Reagan. We raised you and your brother without any issues. We will be fine. Now, give me my granddaughter and go enjoy a night to yourselves.”
My mom takes Tilly from my arms, cooing at her.
“Looks like they've got this taken care of, Rae. We can go.” Leo's hand is warm at my back.
“We'll call if we need you, but we won't.” Mom doesn't give me a second look as Leo tugs me out of the apartment. The door clicks shut behind me as my nerves get the better of me.
“Did I leave—” Leo cuts me off.
“Deep breaths.” He sets his hands on my shoulders, his dark eyes meeting mine. “We've gone out before and left Tilly with Evelyn. She's always fine. Your parents will be just fine with her tonight.”
Tears blur my vision. This is the first time we're leaving Tilly overnight. My parents have been visiting for two weeks before they’re off to their next exotic location. Logically, I know everything will be alright. But I'm still flooded with mom guilt for leaving her with my parents.
“Tilly won't even remember that you left her one time with her grandparents. Now, come on. I've got a fun night planned for us.”
A sly smile spreads across Leo's face.
“I mean, I guess a night with you isn't the worst thing in the world.”
“Wow. After all this time together, that's the level of excitement you muster for our first night just the two of us in months?”
I pull him to me, taking his lips in a searing kiss. These last few months haven't been easy, adjusting to life with a fussy newborn. But we've grown closer. There is no one else in the world I could do this with. Seeing Leo with Tilly is my favorite thing in the world. The way he cares for her, for both of us, makes my heart grow bigger every day.
“We better get going if we're going to make our reservation. I have other plans for you later.” Leo tucks a stray piece of hair behind my ear.
“Still not going to tell me where we're going?” I take his hand in mine, following him out of the building.
“Wouldn't be a surprise if I told you. You'll like it, I promise.”
His hand stays on my thigh as he makes a quick drive to the central part of the city. The sun is setting, the sky a blaze of colors blanketing the city. Cooler weather is already moving in with fall upon us. These are my favorite kinds of nights. Usually, it’s the three of us tucked away in our oasis on the roof, enjoying the cooler nights.
