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“Jeez,” I muttered as I slid into the seat. “Bossy much?”
“It’s my job, baby girl.” He bent in half and kissed my forehead, then handed me my seatbelt as he pulled away. “What are you going to do when you get home?” I stared up at him, still feeling breathless.
“Text you,” I breathed.
“Good girl.” He kissed my forehead again, then stood up straight. “Put the seatbelt on and drive safe.”
“Yes, Daddy.” It came out before I could help it, and he winked at me.
* * *
Sighing, I stepped into the little motel room and leaned against the door. I was tired, but I also had to throw all my weight against it to shove it closed.
My phone vibrated, and I groaned. Couldn’t I have a second to myself? Just one second, uninterrupted?
Without looking at who was calling, I answered. “Hello?” I sighed. I sounded tired, even to my own ears.
“Is everything okay?” Aiden. I sighed again and slunk toward the bed, then plopped down.
“Great,” I said, and he huffed out a laugh.
“You sound tired,” he said. I closed my eyes, and reality faded around me. “Baby?”
“Hmm?” My feet dangled off the edge of the bed. I was too tired to lift them.
“You sure you’re okay?” he asked, sounding worried. “Do you need to go to the hospital again?”
“I’m fine,” I rushed out. Exhaustion weighed heavy on my chest as I forced myself to breathe. “It’s been a long day.”
“Yeah, it has.” He was silent for a moment, and I drifted. “We don’t have to do anything this weekend.” I pried my eyes open and stared at the off-colored ceiling.
“You don’t want to?” I asked. I hated how small and vulnerable my voice sounded.
“Of course I do,” he sighed. “But you’re so tired, and–”
“I’ll be well rested tomorrow,” I said. “Promise.” He stayed silent again, only my tired breathing filling the space.
“You sure?” he finally said, sounding wary. “We can just stay home and watch movies.” I chewed the inside of my cheek. I’d totally shredded it from how anxious I’d been all day.
“I’ve never picked out a real Christmas tree before,” I admitted quietly. “I’d really like to go.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do.” He hesitated, and I knew it was coming before he said it. “The second I think you’re too tired, we’re going home.” I snorted and let my eyes drift shut again. “I’ll pick you–”
“I’ll meet you at your house,” I rushed out. I really didn’t want him seeing where I lived.
“I don’t like you driving when—”
“Aiden,” I groaned, cutting him off. “I’ll be fine. Well, I will be when you let me go to bed.” He chuckled, and the sound warmed my chest.
“Alright, fair enough,” he said, amusement clear in his voice. “See you bright and early.”
“I’ll see you at, like, eleven,” I muttered, and he laughed again.
“I look forward to it,” he said. “Goodnight, baby girl.”
“Goodnight, Aiden.”
“I–” My breath hitched, and my eyes snapped open. He cut himself off, but surely he wasn’t going to say what I thought he was, right? “I will see you tomorrow.”
