Page 27
“No need to thank me,” he says, holding his hand out to me and I grab it, allowing him to lead Brooklyn and I out to the porch swing where he instructs me to sit.
“Do you need any help?”
He shakes his head as he holds his hands out for Brooklyn, who gladly reaches for him. “Nope. You just relax, sweetheart. I’ve got this.”
With Brooklyn securely against his hip, he grabs the bag and carries her down the steps, into the yard. My pulse races watching him interact with her so effortlessly and for a brief second, I imagine what it would be like to have a real family with a mom and a dad for Brooklyn before pushing those thoughts from my mind. Even if I was ready for something like that, it’s way too soon to be thinking that with a man I just met a few days ago.
Lucas sets Brooklyn on her feet in the grass and I wince as she makes a face. She hates the feeling of the grass on her feet and she’s going to start screaming any second. Before I can stand, Lucas scoops her back up and tickles her belly, distracting her. Oh, Jesus. If he keeps doing things like this, I’m doomed.
With Brooklyn still in his arms, he manages to maneuver one of the sparklers out of the box and lights it. Brooklyn’s face lights up, transformed by wonder, as Lucas twirls the sparkler in front of them. She claps her hands, laughing as the sparks fly and my heart aches with happiness at the bright smile on her face. Lucas laughs along with her and my cheeks heat. I can’t tear my eyes away from the two of them. He’s so patient and loving that my mind has no problem drifting into territory that should be left alone.
The entire time I was pregnant, I knew this kind of thing wasn’t in our future and it was my greatest regret - not because I’m incapable of taking care of Brooklyn by myself or because I need a man - but because my heart aches each time I think about the look on her face when she has her first daddy-daughter dance or every Father’s Day when she has no one to celebrate. It’s not her fault that everything worked out this way but she’s the one who will bear the burden and that kills me. Watching them together now - it’s the picture I always wanted but was too scared to dream of and truthfully, still am. It’s the one thing I want most in this world and the one thing I’m terrified I’m never going to get.
They burn through two more sparklers before Brooklyn lays her head down on Lucas’s shoulder and my eyes burn with unshed tears at just how beautiful it looks. I have no idea if we’ll ever truly have a real family like I always dreamed of but this moment is pretty damn special.
“Are you ready for bed, Darlin’?” Lucas asks her so softly that I almost don’t hear him as I stand up and walk over to the top step before leaning against the railing. A smile spreads across my face as I cross my arms over my chest.
“I think it’s bedtime.”
Lucas meets my gaze and I practically melt on the spot. “I think you’re right.”
He gathers up the sparklers and puts them back in the bag before carrying Brooklyn up to the porch. She’s on her way to passing out and when I try to take her, he shakes his head.
“I’ve got her. Just lead the way.”
Nodding, I turn toward the house and walk into the foyer before pointing up the stairs. “Her room is right next to mine. I’d show you but I’m only making it up there once tonight.”
“Go relax on the couch, babe. I think we’ve got this handled,” he assures me, rubbing his hand across Brooklyn’s back as she sucks her thumb and sleepily looks at me. I nod with a smile on my face.
“Okay.”
He hands me the bag of food before turning toward the stairs. When they disappear from my sight, I turn toward the living room and pull my phone out of my pocket, opening the app that connects to the baby monitors in Brooklyn’s room. Lucas sits in the rocking chair in the corner of the room with Brooke lying on his chest, her thumb securely in her mouth as he begins rocking and telling her a story about a one-eyed dragon and a princess. He gets more animated as the story continues and a wide smile stretches across my face as Brooklyn giggles, her eyes getting heavy. After a few more minutes, the story comes to an end and Lucas stands carefully with a sleepy Brooklyn in his arms and gently lays her in her bed. He grabs her blanket and covers her before leaving the room. I tuck my phone back in my pocket as he comes down the steps.
“She’s out like a light,” he announces with a bright smile and I can’t help but mirror the expression. The stress from earlier is gone and he looks so carefree and happy. It’s infectious.
“Thank you. You’re so good with her.”
His warm smile washes over me as he sits down next to me. “No need to thank me and I’m only good with kids because I’m incredibly immature.”
He flashes me a grin but it’s obvious, to me at least, that it’s covering up something deeper. As he leans forward to pull the food out of the bag, something flashes across his face and that same stressed look greets me when he hands me my food and forces a smile. I’m dying to ask him about what’s wrong but the truth is, we still don’t know each other all that well and I don’t want to pry.
“You got anything to drink?” he asks and I nod, pointing to the kitchen behind me.
“Yeah, you’re welcome to anything you’d like.”
He leaves me on the couch to go to the kitchen and when he comes back, he has two bottles of water in his hands.
“I was gonna go for the wine but then I thought it wouldn’t mix well with your meds.”
I nod, taking the bottle from him. “You’re probably right.”
“Speaking of which,” he starts, sinking back into the seat next to me. “Didn’t the doctor tell you to stay your ass in bed?”
“Um… yes?”
“So why aren’t you?”
Glancing down at my hands, I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks. Why do I care if he’s upset that I didn’t listen to the doctor? “I really tried but after a few hours I was bored to tears.”
