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With war in the near distance, I can’t help but wonder if this will last. The feeling of joy, peace, and happiness. I sound like a fucking Christmas song, but I have to admit, to myself and nobody else, that I fucking love that shit.

Closing my eyes, I hold Thea, keeping her close as I begin to doze off. I’m not sure how long I sleep, but I’m woken by laughter. Familiar laughter. I know who it is. Opening one eye, I look up to see Keely standing in front of me.

She sinks down beside me, and I feel her cheek rest against my shoulder. “You good, baby?” I ask.

“Better now,” she whispers. “It was rough, but Alex took care of me.”

We sit in silence before I decide to speak. “And you took care of yourself, too.”

Keely turns slightly and reaches across my body, placing her hand on the center of Thea’s back. We stay this way for a while, enjoying one another’s company. Being together and soaking in the moment.

“I did,” she whispers. “I love you, Brock. So much.”

I turn my head, touching my lips to the top of her head. “I love you, too, baby,” I murmur against her head.

“I don’t need anything more than this, ever.”

“Me either, Keely,” I say. “Just you.”

It is true. All I need is Keely and Thea. They make my world happier, brighter, and full of fucking color. I’ve never been more tied down yet felt freer in my entire life than I do with my girls at my side.