We walk back through the carnival, Ella between us, her small hands gripping one of each of ours. She swings herself forward every few steps, giggling as we catch her weight.
“Again!” she demands, and we do it, over and over, until my arm aches and I don't care.
Jamie catches my eye over the top of her head, and he smiles. Not the charming one. Not the careful one. The real one. The quiet and full one, only meant for me.
I didn't say it back, because I’m not there yet, but in my heart I know I’m closer than I’ve ever been.
Chapter 24
Ella is half-asleep against my shoulder as Tiff fumbles with the keys to their home.
“Dammit,” she whispers under her breath.
I can barely see what’s going on since Mr. Squishy is blocking my view, but when I hear the door open, I take a step forward, following the sound of Tiff’s footsteps.
My shoulder bumps against the doorframe as we shuffle inside.
“We’ve got to be quiet,” Tiff whispers. “We don’t want to wake up Zach.”
Zach?
“Is he here?”
Tiff shrugs. “I don’t know, but just in case.”
I glance back outside, noting that his big-ass truck isn’t in the drive, which means he’s either with Honey (unlikely after the conversation I had with her), or he’s outside her dormwishinghe was with her (most probable answer). I may be a shit football player, but even I can read his playbook.
“I’ll take her up,” I offer quietly.
Tiff nods, leading the way upstairs. Ella doesn’t stir as I lay her gently in bed, still in her clothes because neither of us wants to risk waking her. Tiff takes her shoes and socks off before pulling the covers up and tucking Mr. Squishy beside her. She immediately snuggles into him and falls deeper asleep.
We stand there for a moment, our shoulders brushing as we watch the steady rise and fall of her chest.
She’s beautiful.
My daughter.Ourdaughter. I still can’t get used to the idea that she’s mine. She’s too beautiful. Too perfect for this world, and I want to do everything I can to protect her from the people in it.
Tiff shifts beside me and smooths Ella’s hair back from her face before kissing her forehead.
“She had fun tonight,” Tiff whispers, as she stands.
I don’t answer right away. I’m too busy watching her in awe. The way she loves our daughter, and how naturally it comes.
When did I get so lucky?
Not just to have a daughter like Ella, but to haveher.
“I did, too,” I whisper, trying to say that as casually as possible. This was by far the best night I’ve ever had, but that might come on a little too strong.
“Come on.” She gestures to the hallway, and I follow her out of the room.
She carefully shuts the door and leans back against it.
“I’m exhausted,” she says quietly, her gaze fixed on my chest instead of meeting my eyes.
I step closer and rest my forearm against the wall behind her. She tips her chin up and glances at me with a slightly dazed smile.
I know I must look the same.