Page 10 of Blue Sky

Sky greeted me with a coo and a stretch, and my heart melted. At nine months old, she was so innocent and sweet. But I was racked with guilt thinking about how I could never give her the life she deserved. A life with a mother who loved her.

“She’s so precious! Can I hold her?”

“Of course.” I handed Paloma my daughter. Paloma’s face lit up, and Sky smiled. A sharp pang hit my chest. It killed me to see another woman hold my daughter. My last memory of Catherine was her holding Sky one final time. One final kiss before she was taken away from me.

I looked away. “Her changing table is fully stocked. She has a bottle ready in the fridge. I have a bottle warmer. Have you ever used one?”

Paloma shook her head no. “I just usually submerged the bottle in warm water.”

“It’s easy. Let me show you.”

I led her to the kitchen and taught her how to use it. She learned quickly and fed Sky while I watched.

After Sky finished her bottle, I gave her a kiss. It was time to go to bed.

“It’s late. I’m going to crash. I have to be at work at six. Make yourself at home.”

“I will. Don’t worry about Sky. She will be great. I’m excited to get to know her. I love babies.”

I turned to walk to my bedroom but stopped when I felt her hand on my arm. Her touch sent a jolt to my cock.

“I just really want to say thank you. You have already done more for me than anyone in my life.”

I swallowed and my voice cracked. “Don’t thank me, Paloma. Thank my wife, Catherine. This was her idea.”