MARCUS
Aloud, high-pitched scream wakes me. I jump out of bed, stumble to my feet, and then race down to my daughter’s room. Harmony is sitting up with tears streaming down her face. The sight is enough to make anyone’s heartbreak.
“It’s ok, baby. It was just a dream. Daddy is here, baby girl.”
She hugs me back as I pull her tight into my protective arms. Soon her body softens, and eventually, her breathing evens out.
“Feeling better?”
“Yeah.”
“Was it a bad dream?”
“Yeah.”
“Want to talk about it?”
“It was the elephants.”
“What happened to the elephants?” I ask gently, laying down across her bed and tucking her back under her unicorn comforter. She sniffles a few times and wipes her nose on my shirt.
“The mama elephant died. Some bad man came up and…and …and he popped her.”
“With a gun?”
“Yeah.” She whimpers.
“I’m sorry you had to see that, honey. But I promise you’re safe. Your mom is safe. She’s a bear, not an elephant.” I boop her nose, making her smile.
Her little arms squeeze my torso as she rubs her head on my chest.
“I wish she hadn’t gotten hurt. That was so scary.”
“It was, but she’s ok. I promise. Your mom’s the strongest woman I know, and I know a lot of strong women. Trust me when I promise you can count on her. She might need our help right now, but she’ll be back to her old self soon. Now’s the time we get to take care of her.”
“Can I be her doctor?”
“Maybe her at-home nurse?”
“Deal.”
“You got it, sweetheart.” I press my lips on my daughter’s head, sending up another thank you to god that she wasn’t in the car with Grace and that everyone was okay.
My heart bleeds with emotions I’ve ignored for the past six years. Being here and falling into a routine with my two favorite girls feels too good to be true. And the way Grace gave herself to me. I’m scared to question it and regret fucking nothing. If she dares call it a mistake, I’ll spank her ass. It wasn’t a mistake. There isn’t anything more right.
When Harmony is sound asleep, I slip out of her room. It’s dark in the hallway, and when my eyes adjust, I notice a small dark form at the doorframe of Grace’s room.
“Grace? Are you ok?”
“Yeah.”
“You don’t sound ok,” I say, kneeling at her side and reaching out.
Her palm is warm against my face, and I’m surprised when I feel her lips press to mine. Wet and pillow soft. I fucking love her lips, and she’s kissing me right here on the floor. It’s over too quick, but it’s enough to make my dick swell.
“Thank you for being here,” she whispers.
I clear my throat, feeling choked with the sincerity in her words. She’s being vulnerable with me, and I won’t fuck this up.