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I nod. “OK.”
He kisses my forehead, and then, he’s gone.
And I know in my heart that this thing between us might not work in the long run. Not because he’s a patient, or a client, or whatever he is to me professionally. I’ve come to terms with what Ursula said. Lines will be blurred.
The breakfast bar still has more food than I can eat in three days—so much, it’s comical.
He’s just so giving.
Being with him feels like healing.
Owen fixed my little problem. Helped me fix myself, to be precise.
I don’t know what I can give him in return as a partner.
He doesn’t seem to have any breaks that need fixing.
But then again…maybe he does.
chapter
thirteen
Owen
My mom has gone on a girls’ trip with friends, so Daisy has recruited an army to babysit Graham.
Rhys, Rebel, and Rebel’s parents, Beast and Avery, take Graham for the day.
“I guess I’ll have to get used to the idea of someone other than family watching my kid,” I say to Daisy as she helps me pack up snacks and diapers.
Daisy says nothing, just smiles as she grabs the baby wipes and slips them into the bag.
I know what she’s thinking. I will have to get accustomed to the idea of other people in Graham’s universe. I can’t have my son growing up sheltered.
“It’s hard letting Graham out of my sight,” I say, watching the kid climb the crib rails. It’s probably time to start looking for toddler beds. Damn, where did the time go?
“I know,” Daisy says gently as she watches me roll up an extra outfit for the kid and pack it away.
“No. I mean…something broke me after Amber dropped him off with me. I suddenly realized I had no idea what his first weeks were like. I wasn’t there to welcome him into the world. I wasn’t there to take care of Amber. Even though we weren’t together, I should have been there to help her.”
“That’s not your fault. You didn’t know,” Daisy says, folding her arms over her chest. Under Daisy’s watchful eye, Graham has now fully climbed out of the crib and scuttled down to the floor.
“I know. But I should have been there. And that thought has haunted me ever since. When my parents divorced, the girls and I visited him and his new wife a few times, and…let’s just say our stepmom was not cut out for children. She was much younger than him. She also had a drinking problem and neglected the four of us when my dad was at work. I never want any kid of mine to know what that feels like. A part of me knows I should ease up on myself but something in here,” I say, rubbing my chest, “…it feels wrong, even when I drop him off with my mom.”
Saying all this out loud feels like a weight has been lifted.
Daisy has nothing but compassion in her eyes. “It’s normal to not want outsiders to take care of your kid. But if it’s deeper than that, we’ll get you some help. Because there’s one thing I know for sure since I moved here, Owen. Everyone in Fate welcomed me with open arms. Everyone here is family.”
Her words are a balm to my soul. And that’s when I know without a doubt, if I hadn’t known before now, that Dr. Daisy Allen is my forever person. She might not be able to fix me instantaneously. But she’s going to be a big part of my healing.
When everyone arrives to pick up Graham for the day, I still feel uneasy about outsiders taking on my responsibility. Especially somebody’s dad with the nickname Beast.
Standing in the living room while I hand out lists and schedules to everyone, Rebel sees the hesitation all over my face.
Daisy’s best friend pats her midsection and says, “See this? Don’t you worry. We’ll follow your instructions to a T because Rhys and I? We need all the practice we can get before this one shows up for the real thing.”
Daisy lets out a shocked shriek. Graham mimics her, and everyone laughs.
