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Harper leans into me, rubbing the ache spreading through my chest. “We’ll do right by her.”
My head rests against hers as I absorb our fresh outlook. A broken edge that’s kept me jaded and bitter suddenly crumbles into nonexistence. What remains is free to move forward without restraint.
“I owe her an apology.” The crack in my voice echoes the sentiment.
“She might appreciate that.” Her grin is warm, an encouragement I’ll have at my side from this day forward.
Sydney tugs on Harper’s shirt, done watching plans unfold beyond her knowledge. “What’re you guys talking about?”
She crouches to my daughter’s level. Her hand trembles as she cups Syd’s cheek. “Your mommy loves you very much, superstar. That’s why she had to leave. Her love is so big that she chose to share it with me and your dad. Then we can love you even more since she can’t be here with you.”
“My old mommy isn’t ever gonna visit again?” Her tone is soft and unsure.
“That’s right, Syd. I’m sure it’s hard to understand, but I’ll do my best to explain whenever you have questions. Your daddy will too.” Harper looping us as a cohesive unit soothes any lingering scars.
Sydney crumples against her. “You’re never gonna leave me, right?”
“Never.” Conviction clangs in her voice.
Which pumps relief into me that’s so profound I feel my legs shake. I sink to the floor and gather my girls in a hug. Heat burns my eyes, but I don’t hide the joy from leaking down my face. Our bond solidifies without uttering another sound. We huddle together for several minutes before Syd pulls away.
Her gaze shifts between us. “Does this mean Harpy is part of our family, like for real?”
“For real,” I confirm.
She stares at Harper with sheer wonder glittering in her eyes. “Are you gonna move in with us?”
The woman responsible for expanding our duo into a trio offers a playful grin. “Maybe.”
My mouth brushes her temple. “I like that answer.”
She winks. “Maybe you’ll show me how much later.”
“By saving the corner pieces for you?” Syd chirps.
Harper’s brow furrows. “What corner pieces?”
“The super cute little triangles in the corners on a pizza.” Exasperation huffs from the little diva.
“He does?” Her request for clarification is aimed at Sydney, but Harper’s focus is solely on me.
My chuckle is smoother than I’ve ever heard. “I know they’re your favorite part. Guess you haven’t noticed.”
“Must’ve been too busy dreaming of this.” Harper makes a circular gesture around our linked embrace.
Warmth thrums through me at the perfect response. “You’re forgiven.”
She tightens her hold while swaying us. The rocking motion flows naturally from her, like many other comforting instincts. “Should we go home?”
A rumble rolls off my chest. “Yeah, Pitch. That’s music to my ears.”
Her hum is the melody that my fantasies feed on. “Been waiting for me to ask?”
“Mostly to accept our house as yours.”
Harper sighs. The sound can only be described as content. “Well, as it turns out, my heart and soul already live there.”
Joy glances from one wall to the other. The visual sweep is slow, as if she can’t believe her eyes. Her skeptical behavior isn’t misplaced. Roosters has been transformed into a pastel paradise fit for the occasion.
