Page 82 of Luci’s Lullaby

The sun breaks through the shade and alerts me to the dawning morning. I slowly blink, allowing my eyes to acclimate to the light in the room. The view is breathtaking.

Alden lays across from me with Luci between us, the pillow wall encasing her. His right arm up and around the top of her head, mirroring mine. Our fingers touching.

He flinches, and I pull my hand back. Last night was too close. We have to remember we’re here for Luci and only her. The attraction we feel is in part to the fact we spend so much time together.

I slowly move, hoping to slip out and start breakfast. I shift and get a strange feeling. I look over to find Alden staring at me. I bite my lip.

“Sorry,” I mouth.

“Mornin’.” He smiles lopsidedly and my belly flutters in response. His hair is sticking up in all directions. My eyes dart to Luci, who’s sporting the same style.

“Y’all need a new beautician.”

He reaches over, tucking my hair behind my ear. “You’re beautiful.”

Warmth spreads through my body. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Thank you.” He quirks his brow.

“Thank you.”

Luci opens her eyes and stretches with a grin showing her dimples. We marvel at her. He lays his hand on her belly, rubbing it. I play with her hair, watching their exchange.

“Good mornin’ to you, gorgeous girl.” She coos at his every word. Yeah, I feel you, Luci. He has the same effect on me too. “What are you grinning about over there?”

“The way you love her, it’s a thing of beauty.”

“She’s been so unexpected, just like you.” His eyes flash to mine.

I hold my breath, trying to calm my racing pulse. “How about I go make some breakfast?”

“Luci, would like some breakfast?” She coos as if answering him. “She’d like eggs and bacon.”

“I’m not sure we have that, sweetie. How about a nice bottle of tempted soy milk?”

She coos and Alden smiles. “I think that was a yes.”

“I believe it was.” I roll over and slide from the bed. “I’ll grab her a diaper.”

“I can change her.” He throws the sheet back and he's hard as a rock. “Shit. Sorry, morning.” He shrugs.

I avert my eyes and nod nervously. “Oh, yeah. I get it.”

“Don’t I wish,” he mumbles to the point I question him.

“Huh?”

“What?” He looks innocently at me.

“I thought you were talking to me.” I walk to the door, turning to look at him.

He shakes his head. “Naw, it was nothing.”

“Okay,” I pause until he stands. “Alden?”

He peers over his shoulder. “Yeah?”

“Be careful.” He frowns. “I don’t want you to trip on that pole on your side of the bed.”