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“There’s so much to talk about. But the first thing you should know is that I’m in a recovery program.”
“What…?” I clear my head. “What do you mean? Did something happen?”
His eyes turn sad. “I was desperate to find you girls those first few days. I needed to know both you and Aurora were safe. But I couldn’t. And one day, as I was heading back to the hotel, I went by a liquor store.”
“Oh, Apollo.” I put my hand on his, and he takes it into both of his.
“I fought it, so hard at first. But the devil on my shoulder kept saying why bother? I’d already lost the two most precious people in my life, I was worthless, I didn’t deserve either of you anyway. And eventually, to shut him up, I gave in.”
“Oh no.” His chin touches his chest as his hands make to leave mine, but I hold him there.
His eyes fly to mine. “It was just that one time, over two months ago, but it was bad. And it was enough to realize I need help. So, Ares helped me get it, and I went for it.”
“You did?”
“Yes, which is why I was radio silent for almost three months. And though I’m not leaving the program anytime soon, since I love being there, and I feel it has helped me become a better version of me, I am better and ready to start being the man and the dad I was always meant to be.”
“So, what does that mean?”
“Before that, how has Aurora been?” His eyes look so deep into mine as if searching for answers to questions that aren’t being asked. “I have missed her like I’ve never missed anyone.”
I guess that answers that question. My throat clogs.
He squares his shoulders. “I missed you too, Lucy. But I think this time apart has been a good thing.”
My eyes fly to his again. Searching for the truth and finding it right there.
“I guess. Oh, I heard you quit the band, and they fell apart without you.”
“Well, after I told them to take you and Aurora out of the media or I’d be done, they terminated my contract. Ares didn’t want to stay in the band without me, so they terminated his too. From what I hear, the label shut Shakedown down due to low ticket sales. Serves them right. I have more to think about now.”
“Like what?” I can’t stop looking into his gorgeous eyes, losing myself in them, and loving the way it feels.
“You.” His finger touches my cheek as he tucks a few stray hairs behind my ear, and my eyes drift closed for a second, just enjoying his touch. “Our daughter.”
We are silent for a second.
I barely whisper, “What are we going to do now?”
“Well, I’m working with my brother, and we intend to stay in L.A. No more touring for us. Right now, we’re living in a hotel, but I have hired a real estate agent, and he’s currently searching for the perfect house for us.”
“So, you and Ares are going to live together?”
His lips curve with a huge smile. “No. I love my brother, but I don’t want to live with him. Having my family live with me is what I want. What about you, Lucy?”
“Your family?”
“Yes, my little songbird. Nothing’s changed for me. Well, not really true. This time apart made me realize how much I want to be with my daughter.”
“Oh.” This is my fault. I pushed him too hard. Now I lost him.
“But you know what else I realized?”
I shake my head.
“He puts his hand on my cheek, and I lean into him, closing my eyes. Taking his warmth and his scent in.
“I realized I can’t live without you, Lucy. I love you.”
