Connor helped her to her bed, and then got her a cold wet cloth for her forehead. He also brought her a bucket just in case she started vomiting again. She really hoped not. Maybe if she closed her eyes for a few minutes, she’d feel a whole lot better when she opened them.
Unfortunately, she knew that meant she’d need to face the situation with Connor all over again. And the longer this went on, the harder it was going to be to ask him to leave.
Krista had no idea how long she’d been asleep, but her bedroom was dark. Where did the daylight go? She tossed the covers off and went to get up. Her head swooned again, and she sat back on the edge of the bed. She was weak and from what she remembered, there was a good reason for that. But she couldn’t lie here a moment longer. She needed to find Nia.
Walking slowly and steady she made her way out of her room and into the nursery. Nia wasn’t in her crib. Her stomach began to turn all over again as she walked down the hall and into the living room.
Connor was in the recliner by the electric fireplace with Donnie by his feet. As she walked closer she noticed Nia was swaddled up nicely and fast asleep in his arms. Donnie moved and it woke Connor who instantly checked on Nia. She saw him smile down at Nia before leaning his head back.
“You’re good with her,” Krista said softly.
Connor opened his eyes again and said, “I had help.”
“Your sister?” she asked. He nodded. “I bet she never expected you calling for this kind of assistance.”
“I’ve never called her for any help before. But you’re right, she was…surprised. And actually she was a lot of help.”
“That’s good. Is there anything I need to know?” she asked. “I mean about Nia?” she cut in before he started declaring his love again.
“She had her bottle an hour ago. But I do have one question,” he said.
“What is that?”
“How can someone so tiny and perfect in everyway, blow out a diaper and stink up the room so bad? I thought the wallpaper was going to peel off the walls?”
Krista chuckled softly. “The mysteries of parenthood. I can take her and put her in her crib. This way you can head back to Boston.”
Connor’s expression changed and he asked, “Do you really want me to leave?”
Don’t do this. Not now. Please, I’m too weak to fight.
“Connor I…I…”
“Please Krista, don’t send me away,” he pleaded. “I can spend the night on the couch and take care of Nia for you tonight so you can get more rest. And maybe tomorrow we can…”
“Talk? About what? You’re only going to leave again. Why not do it now before Nia gets attached to you too.”
Connor got up slowly as to not wake Nia. Then he walked over to Krista and said, “Krista, it’s too late. I’m already attached to her. I love her just like I love her mother. And if you don’t mind, I’d really like to stay and see if she loves me too.”
Her insides were trembling and she fought the tears that wanted to flow. “You can’t rush these things you know. I mean, you have to earn that trust.”
“I know I’ve broken quite a few promises, but this is one I won’t. I promise you Krista and little Nia, that I’m not leaving you again. How can I? You’re the keeper of a major organ. My heart.”
That was it. She lost it. The tears were streaming down her cheeks and Connor pulled her close to him. There was just enough room for both her and her daughter in his arms. A place she wanted to be. She looked up at him and said, “I love you too Connor. And I’m going to hold you to that promise.”
“And I’m prepared to keep it,” he said then he kissed her gently.
Nia stirred in his arms and they both looked down at her. “Connor, look. She’s smiling. It’s her first smile.” The tears started pouring all over again. Krista knew right then that this was exactly how they were supposed to be. Together, as a family.