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Joe grunts his reply as he drops his bedding on the couch.

“Thank you. For… everything.” Kendra’s voice is soft.

I want to remind her that she doesn’t need to thank me.

But I nod instead.

Then I turn away from my girl and walk out of the house, even though it’s the very last thing I want to do.

Chapter 145

Kendra

My stomach twistswhen the door closes behind Luther.

I don’t want a barrier between us.

I don’t want anything between us.

I want him by my side.

Always.

Chapter 146

Luther

Me: Good night, Beautiful.

Baby Doll: Night, Handsome.

Settingmy phone on the nightstand, I close my eyes and picture my Kendra wearing my flannel.

And the last thought I have before sleep takes me is,I should’ve taken a photo.

Baby Doll: Morning.

Baby Doll: *sends a video of Buddy bouncing around on three legs, scarfing pieces of chicken as Joe tosses them*

Me: He seems in good spirits.

Baby Doll: I’ll say. He greeted us this morning with his scratchy shouts.

Me: Maybe Joe will sleep in his room tonight…?

Baby Doll: The man has already told Buddy he’ll sleep on the couch all weekend.

Me: What an asshole.

Baby Doll: Knock it off. Dad just asked me what’s so funny, and I had to lie.

I grin to myself.

Me: What did you tell him?

Baby Doll: I said it was a funny video of a duck.

Me: Why a duck?