Page 141 of A Sinful Gravity

Laila pondered. "I'll help."

He froze, sighed, nodded.

We locked eyes, shared that sweet, frustrated grin.

To celebrate reunion,next day we hit the natural history museum and suburban play park Laila dreamed of.

Sun shone bright. Cassian leaned on his cane but stepped steady. He carried her backpack, held pink cotton candy like a cloud.

On the carousel, Laila rode the prettiest pony, waved excitedly.

Cassian snapped photos from the fence and turned to me, voice low. "Luna, thanks."

I tilted my head, smiling. "For what?"

"For not ditching this asshole completely, giving me this perfect afternoon." He pulled me close, grip tight, like freezing the moment.

We picnicked on grass, watched Laila chase bubbles. That simple joy hit harder than any dance.

After dinner, in the Washington tower's revolving restaurant private room, lights gleamed on silverware.

Laila yawned, sipped hot cocoa. I glanced at Cassian; his hand gripped mine under the table, palm sweaty.

"Laila, Mommy's got something serious." I set down my napkin, soft but firm.

Laila's eyes sparkled. "Taking me to London for Big Ben?"

I laughed, shook my head, pointed. "Laila, Cassian... he's your real dad."

Room went silent, just her sipping straw.

She froze, eyes wide with shock. Glanced at me, then stiff, breathless Cassian.

"Really?" Voice tiny, trembling.

He leaned in, eyes pleading. "Yeah, Laila. Sorry, Daddy messed up before. But now, I'll protect you and Mommy, never leave. Can you forgive me?"

"Wow!"

Laila shrieked, leaped from her chair, crashed into his arms.

"God heard my wish! I wanted a daddy like Cassian every day! Awesome!"

She hugged his neck, rubbed cheeks. "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!"

Cassian's eyes reddened.

He crushed her close, stretched an arm for me too.

"Wait. Mommy, why didn't you tell me?" Laila popped out, eyed me.

I paused awkwardly; Cassian jumped in. "Daddy made Mommy sad, so she worried I'd be mean to you."

Laila pouted. "You didn't like Mommy before?"

"Liked her. A lot."

"Liking someone means no making them mad forever. Chloe said." Her face serious.