Page 84 of Luci’s Lullaby

“Ladies, what’s on the agenda for today?” He looks down at Luci, smiling.

“I’m not sure if I can make plans today, I already had some.”

His head snaps up. “You do?”

“Yes, there’s a great event at Netflix-n-Chill that I can’t miss.”

He cocks his brow. “I may be overstepping here, but would you like some company?”

“I’ll see what I can arrange.” I return his smile.

The following two days fly by and Tuesday’s here before we want it to be. Alden’s reluctance to leave us is heartwarming and troubling. He’s still vulnerable, and I’m afraid this isn’t in his best interest.

“I’ll text you as soon as I’m free to check on y’all.” He shoves his phone in his pocket and starts to button his shirt.

I’m holding Luci as we watch him run around the apartment nervously. “We’ll be here and I’ll make sure she’s taken care of, I promise.”

He rubs his forehead until it starts turning red. “I know. I know.”

“Alden, it’s gonna be okay.” I lay Luci down and walk over to him.

“Yeah, of course it is.” He runs his hand through his hair.

I stand in front of him, tiptoeing to fix his collar. His eyes flicker to mine. “Take a deep breath and remember who the hell you are.” I re-button his shirt and straighten it for him.

“I’m Alden fuckin’ Beck.” He pulls his brows low. “Minus the fucking.”

“Trust me, Alden. Where you’re concerned, there’ll always be fucking.” I wiggle my brows.

Before I know it, I’m in his arms. “Charlee Rae.” My heart skips a beat as my name leaves his lips.

His eyes sparkle as they burn with the same frenzied desire that’s spiraling out of control through my body. His racing heart matches mine, and I catch my breath.

“You better get going.”

He searches my eyes, and I pray he finds what he needs in them. His hands slowly loosen, and he sets me free. “Yeah, I suppose I should.”

Luci coos and begins to kick. I reach over for her and pick her up. “Say goodbye to da—Alden.” I swallow past my faux pas.

“I won't be gone long, baby girl.” He kisses her forehead. “Love you.” He leans in kissing my cheek as he barely escapes my lips. “I-I’ll be back.”

“Yeah, we’ll be here,” I say enthusiastically.

The day drags without Alden here, or maybe it’s just the anticipation of not knowing. I’ve cleaned the house and finished the laundry. I suppose I could use a cleaning myself.

“Hey, Luci. I need a shower. What’cha say we go make a bubble bath and soak.” I pick her little wiggling butt up and grab a robe.

The water is the perfect temperature as I sink in, holding Luci to my chest. I didn’t add a ton of bubbles and I used her baby wash for what we have; the lavender is soothing.

I run a washcloth over her delicate skin as I listen to all of her sounds. She’s becoming a little more animated as time goes by, her cooing is turning into garbles as she tries to talk.

“Yes, baby girl. You’re good.” I smile as the goos sound as if she’s saying ‘I’m good’. My heart is ready to explode it’s so full of love for her.

“I promise you, Luci Renee. No matter where I am or what I’m doing, I’ll always be here for you. Always, sweetie.”

I hum along as my phone plays country music; it’s growing on me. I roll my eyes. I stop singing when I hear a noise through the house. Nothing. I decide to call out.

“Hello?” I pause. “Alden?”