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“Tell me what you need, baby. Anything.”
Her body trembled, alarming me more.
“Just a couple of things,” she whispered.
“Tell me.” I stroked my hand along her arm.
“I need to pee really bad. I haven’t wanted to leave him for a second. And I’m starving and dirty, but I don’t have any clothes.” She shook like she was trying to hold back crying.
My chest nearly caved in on my heart. It was almost ten at night. How long had she been holding it in? When was the last time she’d eaten?
“Baby, when did you last eat?”
“My eating schedule is a bit weird because I avoided my dad. I last ate at around three, then I usually eat around eight or nine in my bedroom.”
“I’ll fix you something. Let me put Dante in the crib.” I reached for the baby.
“No.” She tensed. “I mean… I’ll do that when I’m ready. Just hold him. I’ll be fast.”
“Take your time.”
Emilee bit her lip. “Don’t go anywhere, please. Just stay right here.”
I pressed my hand to her cheek. “I’ll stay right here. I promise.” I slipped my fingers through her hair and pulled her head toward me. When our lips connected, I was home.
She hummed, kissing me back. Her tension faded like all she needed was me. I understood her need. I felt the same about her.
We stayed like that, our lips locked, slowly reconnecting until she eased back.
“Wow, I needed that.” Her cheeks were pink, lips a little red and swollen.
“Me too.” I dragged my thumb across her jaw.
“Now I really need to pee.”
I opened my arms to receive my son. “I’ve been practicing with Birdie.”
Emilee smiled. “You have?” She laid Dante in my arms.
“Daddy boot camp, Maddy called it.”
She giggled softly. “Maddy is the best. You look like a pro.”
“Go to the bathroom. We’ll be right here waiting for you.”
She nodded, lifting herself carefully. “I trust you, Danny. I know, I’m being weird.”
“No, you’re not. The bathroom is the first door on the right.”
“Thanks.”
I watched her limp away, my heart aching for all she’d been through this past year and today. It should’ve been me with her. I should’ve been the one protecting her and our son.
I smiled at my sleeping boy. “From this moment on, I promise to always be with you and your momma.”
11
Emilee
