Page 108 of Luci’s Lullaby

“We’ll be fine, I promise.”

“I won’t be.” Alden paces by the windows in the terminal, holding Luci to his chest.

My stomach rolls as I reassure him. “We have FaceTime, and we can even come see you every other weekend.”

“You can’t travel in your car; another thing I should’ve done before I left.” He stops pacing and closes his eyes.

I walk over to him, wrapping them in my arms. “I have your truck. It’s for six months, and I’m positive Reese will have you outta this contract.”

“I’m going to miss six months of her firsts and six months of you.” A line forms between his eyes.

I feel as though a knife is stuck in me. I touch his face, caressing him. “I’ll film all of Luci’s firsts, and you can have all of me you want when you get back.”

“I’ve let you both down.” His eyes swim with emotion. “So fucking ready to be the next big thing, and I’ve screwed it all up.”

“No you haven’t.” I shake him. “We’ll be fine, I put off my classes for a semester, so I could take care of Luci.”

“Did you drop out of school for me?” His face is filled with anger.

I rub his cheek, trying to calm him. “I took a break to be with Luci and visit you until you’re home.”

“It’s not right, I should’ve made her hire someone to help.” His brows furrow.

My stomach knots. “I wouldn’t want a strange person taking care of her.”

“I know, me either. I hate this, I hate it so much I feel sick.” He fights back tears, and so do I.

Aksel walks up beside us. “Guys, it’s about time.”

“I may never forgive myself for this.” He squeezes his eyes shut, forcing the tears over the lids and down his face. I run my finger over his cheeks, drying them.

I’m gutted and angry but, most of all—

I’m in love with this broken man. “We love you.”

His eyes pop open and gaze into mine. “And it’s the only thing that will get me through.”

I stretch up on my tiptoes, wrapping my hand around his neck, and kiss him with all of my heart. “Please be careful.”

“Please take care of Luci and yourself. I would never forgive myself if something happened to you.” He kisses Luci and turns to me again, kissing me breathless.

I take Luci from his arms reluctantly. “We love you, remember that.”

“I’ll call as soon as I land.” He kisses us again and hands over his ticket with Aksel close behind.

Emerson slides her arm around me as we watch them disappear into the tunnel. I slip from her arm and hurry to the window, searching for him. I can’t see a thing. A wave of nausea comes over me as my body trembles.

The plane begins its departure, and I still don’t see him. I’m frantic when suddenly I see a hand pressed against a window, and I know it’s him. I hold Luci’s in mine up to the pane of glass until he’s gone.

“He’s gone, baby girl,” I whisper to her, kissing her softly.

Emerson’s by our side in a flash. “Two weeks and we’ll go see them.”

“Sounds like a plan.” I force a smile.

I trudge to the truck and get Luci buckled in as Emerson stands to the side. I kiss her forehead and shut the door.

“Are we still on for tomorrow?” she asks as she hugs me.