Page 117 of Broken Souls

“She's at peace, I promise you,” I tell him.

Axe lingers in the middle of the room for a bit so I don't interrupt the thoughts he's having. When he leaves the room, I burp Cash then slowly rock him to sleep. I carefully put him down in the cot then go downstairs. Axe's presence isn't in the house so I decide to make a meal that will last us a couple days. We're too tired to be cooking for every meal. There's a knock at the door, so I say come in. Ryleigh and Olly walk into the kitchen.

“Hey, Axe is with Dash so we thought we'd keep you company,” Ryleigh says.

“Let us help.” Olly takes over the preparation I've already started for the food, which I'm grateful for.

We stay in the kitchen for a while and talk. When Cash starts crying, I move to get up but Ryleigh stops me.

“Can I get him?”

“Yes.”

Ryleigh goes upstairs and I watch Olly move the food to the plates. She sets a plate in front of me.

“Thank you.”

“If you ever need me to cook for you, I'd be happy to.” Olly smiles.

“I appreciate it.” I'm so glad for all the support I have. I bring a forkful to my mouth and moan in delight. “I'm going to have to take you up on that.”

Olly chuckles as Ryleigh walks into the room. Ryleigh is cooing to Cash. I didn't even hear him stop crying. Ryleigh holds him while I finish eating. The girls stay late and we watch movies, each of us catering to Cash when he needs it. Axe gets home when our third movie comes to an end. The girls leave and Axe comes and sits beside me.

“We should go to bed. There's food in the fridge if you're hungry,” I say.

“Maybe we should shower,” Axe says.

“Ugh, who knew a shower was such a tedious task with a newborn?” I groan, leaning my head back against the couch. Axe's lips slightly pull up.

“Come on, honey.”

I put Cash back in his cot while Axe starts the shower. I join him and sigh when the warm water travels down my spine. Axe and I give each other room as we wash ourselves, then he pulls me close. We stay in a loving embrace; the only sound is the water pouring down on us. He links his arms around my back so I can't move from him even if I want to. But I will never want to leave his arms.

Chapter Seventy-Four

Idon't know if it's gotten easier to be a parent over the last few weeks. On the one hand, we're getting into a routine but on the other hand, I'm more tired. Axe is looking after Cash tonight while I'm visiting my mum. This is the first time I've really seen their house. It came together well, considering the resources they had. My mum and I are talking over what's been happening: Cash, her and Creed.

“Do you think you'll get married anytime soon?” Mum asks.

“No. I told Axe we've got too much going on.”

“Well, it will be Axe's decision when he proposes.” Mum smiles.

“If he does, that engagement ring will be on my finger for years before he sees the wedding band on there,” I say, and she laughs. “Are you and Creed married?”

“Not lawfully, but we're married in every way that matters.”

“I know it must have been hard living as a rogue but being free with your mate sounds like a dream,” I claim.

I remember when I used to think how great it would be if Axe and I lived in isolation.

“It has its perks.” She grins.

The front door opens and Creed walks in with pieces of wood in his arms.

“Isn't it a little warm for a fire?” I ask.

“I'm just getting it now to prepare for winter. Once the rainy season begins, the forest will be too damp to get wood,” Creed answers. “I'm going for a shower, Liz. No news today either.”