Page 95 of Sweet Redemption

Gracie

Ares! How could you not say anything?

Ares

Baby . . . you did that thing with your tongue on the lifeguard stand that night, and I think I temporarily forgot.

Gracie

Oopsie.

Leo

Fucking gross.

Hendrix

Yes, it’s Serena’s car. Yes, she spent the night. No, I’m not telling you anything else.

Everly

Come on, Henny. At least confirm you were the people in the shower.

Gracie

Yeah. Come on, Henny.

Hendrix

Bye, guys.

SERENA

Just because you miss the way things were

doesn’t mean you can’t fall in love with the way things are.

—Serena’s Secret Thoughts

“Shh, buddy. You don’t want to wake her up,” Hendrix whispers, and I’m suddenly wide-awake, even if I absolutely refuse to open my eyes.

“Why is there a princess in your bed, Daddy?” a little voice asks, and my entire body locks.

Oh no.

I’m naked in Hendrix’s bed, and his two-year-old is sitting right next to me. I’m pretty sure his foot is wedged against my hip. Thankfully, I’m under the duvet, and I’m almost certain from the feel of his foot that he’s on top of it.

“She was too sleepy to drive home last night,” Hendrix says, like it’s the most normal thing in the world. Damn, he’s good. “Should we make her breakfast?”

“She looks like she needs chocolate chip pancakes. The good kind. Not the kind from the toaster.” I think he’s trying to whisper, but it’s not working at all, and to be honest, it’s adorable.

“She likes chocolate.” The laughter lingering in Hendrix’s soft tone makes my heart hurt for what could have been.

For them.

For us.

“Come on.” The bed shifts, and I’m guessing Hendrix stands up, based on the movement. “Let’s go make her some pancakes.”