Page 100 of Abandoned By My Alpha Husband

"However long you need, I'll wait."

"I love you."

Lucifer's words kept echoing in my ears, over and over, like they'd been carved into my brain. My heart was racing. I held Anya's little hand, my palm slick with sweat.

The car stopped in front of the house. Lucifer got out, came around to my side, opened the door, and reached for Anya.

"I've got her," I said softly.

"She's too heavy." He insisted, his eyes on my face. "And you're tired." He paused. "I want to hold her, too—"

The way he said it made my heart soften. I didn't refuse again, just watched him lift Anya carefully. His movements were gentle, like he was cradling something fragile and precious. Anya's head rested in the crook of his shoulder, her mouth slightly open, sleeping soundly.

Liam climbed out too. He came to my side, hesitated, then said quietly, "Today... thank you."

"For what?" I touched his hair. He was used to it now—didn't blush anymore.

"For..." He bit his lower lip. "For giving Dad a chance."

My eyes burned.

"Liam—"

"I could tell." He looked up at me, those gray eyes bright under the streetlamp. "You were happy today. I haven't seen you that happy in a long time."

"Were you happy?"

He nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah."

I pulled him into a hug. "Good."

Lucifer had already carried Anya inside and laid her gently on the couch. Anya rolled over, mumbling "Mommy," her little hand grasping at the air before she fell back into deep sleep.

I walked over and covered her with a light blanket, tucking the stray hair behind her ear.

"Elena."

Lucifer's voice came from behind me. I turned. He stood there, hands in his pockets, looking at me with such tenderness.

"Good night."

"Good night."

The door closed.

I stood in the living room, listening to his footsteps fade, then the car starting, then the engine disappearing into the night. My wolf stirred inside me, tail swaying slowly.

That night, I slept restlessly.

I lay in bed, eyes closed, mind full of Lucifer. The way he'd looked at me in the restaurant. The way he'd held my hand and said "I love you." The gentle way he'd held Anya. I rolled over. The pillow still carried the scent of lilies—from the flowers Lucifer had sent last time. I'd pressed a few petals into the pillowcase. I breathed deeply. That familiar scent filled my nose. My heart raced again.

Elena, what are you hesitating for?

He's done so much. Cleared up the news. Sent Lina away. Set up a trust for Anya. Offered to share custody of Liam...

He's proven his commitment.

And you?