Page 73 of A Sinful Gravity

"I just... want you and Laila to have a safe place. Everything else is up to you."

Before I could respond, the bathroom door opened. Laila ran out, face still wet, a few damp strands stuck to her forehead.

"Mommy! I'm done! Can we eat now?"

On the phone, Cassian's breathing hitched.

"Laila?" he asked softly.

"Yes."

He was silent for two seconds.

"Tell her... good morning." His voice was rough.

I looked down at Laila, who was looking up at me expectantly.

"Wait a second." I told the phone, then covered it and said to Laila, "Go get dressed. Mommy will make breakfast."

"Okay!" She ran to her room.

I put the phone back to my ear.

"Still there?"

"Yes," he said. "Always."

Something stirred inside me.

"I agree to move in," I said. "But the conditions are what I just said. Remember them."

"I remember."

He paused. "When are you moving? I'll come get you."

I thought for a moment. "Tomorrow. But no need. Chloe's coming."

"Okay." He was silent for two seconds, then called my name. "Luna."

"What?"

"Thank you," he said softly. "Thank you for coming."

I didn't respond. I hung up.

Laila ran out in her clothes, pulling my hand toward the kitchen. "Mommy, hurry! I'm hungry!"

Sunlight streamed through the window, falling on her face.

I looked at her, and the uncertainty inside me slowly dissolved.

Not for him. For her. So she could have a yard to run in, a piano to play, a safe neighborhood and good education.

As for the rest...

One step at a time.

The next morningat nine forty-five, I had my suitcase packed. I'd taken the day off.