Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 107965 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 540(@200wpm)___ 432(@250wpm)___ 360(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107965 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 540(@200wpm)___ 432(@250wpm)___ 360(@300wpm)
When the door closed behind me, I let out a long, deep breath. Just being alone in here felt like a vacation. For a moment, I felt human again—like myself, without a little human attached to me.
After I exited the shower and dried myself off, I thought about the last time I’d checked social media. A couple of days ago I’d seen February tagged in a bunch of photos by the wife of that Italian investor. She’d looked so happy with a drink in her hand and a beautiful landscape behind her. Seemed like heaven. That was the life she was meant to have.
I returned to the living room and saw that my brother had placed a sleeping Patrick in his bouncy seat.
“Damn. How did you get him to sleep?”
“I did absolutely nothing but look at him. And that’s probably why he relaxed.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re a ball of stress, Brock. You’re rubbing off on him, which is why he can’t calm down. It’s like a domino effect.”
“You calm down when you haven’t had sleep and get pissed on.”
He wriggled his brows. “How do you know I haven’t gotten pissed on recently?”
I rolled my eyes. “I don’t even wanna know…”
Trevor chuckled. “But seriously, you should try to relax.”
“I’ve got a better idea. Why don’t you get your ass over here once a day so I can shower in peace? I don’t really need much. But ten minutes of quiet goes a long way.”
“I can do that for you, brother. Might not be at the same time every day, but I can do it.”
“I’ll take anything you can give. I’m desperate.”
After Trevor left, I realized it was almost noon, and I hadn’t eaten anything.
My refrigerator was filled with casseroles and other dishes people around town had dropped off. I probably should’ve frozen some of them. My brain didn’t seem to have the capacity to choose what I wanted to eat, so I reached for a random one without even knowing what it was.
Just as I’d closed the fridge, the doorbell rang.
Great. That was gonna wake up Patrick, and I’d never have a chance to eat.
When I opened the door, I nearly fell over at the sight of her.
February.
CHAPTER 32
* * *
February
Brock’s eyes widened. “Oh my…God.”
Before he could say anything else, I leapt forward and wrapped myself around him. It felt so amazing to be in his arms, even if the reason my heart raced was a bit different than usual. I was a little scared about what would meet me inside.
And when I pulled back to look into Brock’s eyes, the first thing I noticed were the bags. He was still the most beautiful man in the world, but he looked more worn than I’d ever seen him.
He blinked. “What are you doing here?”
“I changed my flight on the way back from Italy. I couldn’t stay away. I needed to see you. Needed to meet him.” I exhaled. “Is this okay?”
“It’s more than okay. I just might not be able to give you the time you deser—”
“Brock, never mind me. You need to rest.” I placed my hands on his cheeks.
“I’m okay…” he insisted.
“No, you’re not. I can see that you’re exhausted. You have bags under your eyes. Have you slept?”
He looked down. “Not really.”
I patted his cheek. “Go take a nap.”
“That’s crazy. You just got here. You haven’t even met my son.”
“Well, introduce me so I can watch him while you nap.”
He lowered his voice. “He’s sleeping, actually. Which is rare these days. So maybe this is a good time for me to get a little shut-eye.” He took my hand and smiled. “Come here.”
Brock led me over to his sleeping baby in a little seat on the ground near the couch. He’d grown so much in just the few days he’d been alive. The resemblance to Brock was even clearer now. Patrick’s little chest rose and fell as he breathed in and out, looking so at peace.
Smiling, I bent to get a closer view, examining his perfect nose and rosy complexion. I looked up at Brock and whispered, “Go get some rest. I’ve got it.”
“Listen, I’m not sure if you know what you’re getting yourself into here.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“There are some diapers and wipes here on the end table, right on top of the changing pad.”
“Got it.” I nodded.
“I have to warn you, he has pretty good aim, so be careful if you have to change him. You might want to shut one eye.”
I chuckled. “I’ll be okay.”
“I should probably be shot for leaving you to take a nap right after you got here. But it’s too damn good an offer to pass up.” He leaned in and gave me a firm, hard kiss. “When I feel human again later, I’m gonna find a way to make it up to you.”