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Under my fingers, her skin is so damned soft. Some of her hair has escaped her bun and trails over my chest. I ignore the urge I have to pick it up and bring it to my nose to inhale the scent.
She’s so fucking brave. Now that I know all of what she was up against, I’m in awe of the woman drooling on my shoulder while snoring softly in her sleep.
Being trapped and alone living with a monster, and then finding out about Audra and getting the fuck out of there, took guts. I wish she had someone to help her — to believe her sooner, but I can’t be mad that she ended up in my state, in my town. Not if it brought her to me.
Something settles in my chest. Something that it’s too soon to give name to. Something Maisie’s not ready for.
I crack open my eyes and untangle my arm from under Maisie to glance down at my watch noting the still early time. Maisie readjusts and falls quietly back into sleep.
Wanting nothing more than to scoop Maisie up into my arms and settle us into my bed for the rest of the morning, I can’t. I have to get to the station.
I slowly trace my hand up and down Maisie’s back until she starts to stir. Bleary silver-blue eyes crack open and find mine.
“Good morning, Sunshine. Sleep good?” I whisper between us before dropping a kiss to her forehead.
She snorts and rolls her face against my shoulder like a cat looking for affection, and I press a kiss to her hair.
“Ugh. What time is it?”
“A little after six.”
Maisie’s head pops up, and she turns to the Pack ’n Play that’s set up next to the couch. “Holy shit. Audra slept through the night.”
“I know. I was here.” I chuckle quietly.
“Harlan Calhoun, don’t you laugh at me. I haven’t gotten a full night’s sleep in over a year.” She drills her finger into my side, and I yelp at the tickle before grabbing her hand to stop any future attempts.
Her head drops to my chest, and she wiggles before stilling.
As nice as this is… “Maisie, I have to go to work.”
“Boo,” she whispers into the fabric of my shirt. “That’s okay. I have to work too. And I was hoping to get into town for a haircut today. Andy offered for me to come in yesterday.”
I press another kiss to her hair and quietly soak in the early morning cuddles with her.
“Dinner’s at my dad’s house tonight. You still feel up to that?” I ask.
She nods against me before yawning so hard her jaw cracks. I wince.
The fabric rustling next to us has us twisting out heads. Audra lets out an adorable as fuck coo right before a foghorn sounds from her diaper-covered bottom.
Something that smells eerily like burning rubber wafts toward us.
Maisie’s head pops up, her features twisted in disgust before she covers her nose with her hand. “Oh my god. Audra. What is that? What did I feed you?”
The horror in her tone has me roaring with laughter before I can stop myself. Audra’s head pops up and turns to us before she gives us a gummy smile.
“Crop dusted by my own daughter. The audacity.” Maisie’s teasing tone takes me out, my laughter shaking the beautiful woman giggling on my chest.
Farting babies and all, I want every morning to be like this.
Chapter 23
Maisie
Sunbeams and sparkles shoot out of my fingertips as I walk through the town square.
I spent the night with Harlan.
