Page 269 of When a Soul Cries

“It’s a surprise.”

I groaned. “I hate surprises.”

“You’ll like this one.”

The confidence in his voice irritated me almost as much as the fact that part of me wanted to know what he had planned.

A few weeks ago, I would’ve already said no. I would’ve found ten reasons why I couldn’t go, especially if it meant leaving Halo overnight.

But Halo loved Sugga, and Sugga had been talking about keeping her since practically the day they met.

Which meant my real excuse was gone.

“I’ll think about it,” I finally said.

Rome studied me for a moment, clearly hearing that it wasn’t a no, but he didn’t push. He simply nodded before reaching down and lifting Halo from her high chair.

“Aight.”

And just like that, he let it go.

Somehow, that made me think about saying yes even more.

---

Later that night, I stood in Halo’s doorway while Rome sat in the chair beside her crib with her curled against his chest.

He’d stayed while I gave her a bath and changed her into pajamas. The second he picked up one of her books, she reached for him, and I decided I wasn’t about to fight it.

Now his deep voice filled the quiet bedroom while he read.

Halo’s eyes grew heavier with each page. One tiny hand rested against his chest while Rome’s thumb moved absently along her side.

I leaned against the doorframe and watched them.

When he looked up and noticed me, a smug little smile appeared.

“Don’t,” I whispered before he could say anything.

His shoulders shook with a quiet laugh.

I walked into the room and picked up one of Halo’s toys from the floor, dropping it into the basket near her crib.

By the time I straightened, her eyes were closed.

Rome lowered the book.

“See?”

I pointed at him. “Don’t ruin it.”

He smiled and carefully stood.

Halo stirred when he moved, curling closer against him before mumbling sleepily against his shirt.

“Dada.”

Rome stopped.