Page 68 of Under Ground
“Daddy. I got chicken pops.”
I clamp my lips together in amusement.
Alex sits beside her on the bed. “So I hear. I’ve bought some groceries, and I’m going to stay with you until you’re all better.”
Her mouth falls open, and where she was cranky a few seconds ago, the sun’s come out as she flings her arms around his neck. Her smile lights up the whole room, and even though I feel like crap, somehow seeing this makes it worse.
There’s so much love between all of us, and it was never fair to think I could ignore that.
My little girl, who never had a father, found one for herself. And along the way, I fell in love with a loving, caring man.
That’s what matters.
It’s as if we never broke up as Alex hugs Casey before letting go and standing. “I’m going to grab the groceries from the car and get set up. I’ll bring you in a drink, and then you can go back to sleep.” He glances at me. “And your mum can get some rest.”
“Mummy has chicken pops too.” Her lips are pursed, and her blonde brows knit in concern.
“She does, and I’ll be taking care of her too. Gotta make sure my girls get better.”
Clearly happy with that, Casey snuggles back under her blanket.
Alex stands and makes his way back to the door. “You go to bed. I’ll bring you in a drink too. When was the last time you had anything to eat?”
My head swims and I shrug. “I’m not really sure.”
“I’ll sort something out and bring it in to you.”
“If I wasn’t sick, I’d kiss you.”
His lips quirk into a smile. “I’ve had chickenpox. You can’t give it to me.”
I roll my eyes and laugh. It’s the first time I think I’ve laughed since I broke things off with him. And despite everything, it feels good.
“I’m still not going to kiss you. But I do appreciate all of this. Thank you.”
He places his hand on my arm. “You don’t have to thank me. I love you guys.”
“I wasn’t sure …”
“Whatever happens between us—my feelings aren’t changing. I know what I want.” He moves past me and I stay still for a moment, taking a deep breath.
I never had doubts about us, but I did have doubts about our situation.
Having him here feels so right.
Is this a sign we’re just meant to be?
* * *
After following him back out to the living room, I sit on the couch.
He sits in a chair opposite me. “Now, how are you feeling?”
I shrug. “I’ve got a headache that won’t shift and I’m tired. I was supposed to make breakfast for Casey and set up my laptop for her to watch Paw Patrol. Instead, she fell asleep.”
He gets up and circles the couch, rubbing my shoulders. “I’ll take care of all of that. You just lie down. I stopped at the grocery store on the way, and I’ll get you both fed.”
“You’re being very good to me, considering I dumped you.”