Page 99 of Luci’s Lullaby

The bed shifts, rousing me, but I don’t move. Late nights have never agreed with me. Alden doesn’t even look tired when he does them, but I wake up looking like death warmed over.

“Hey, baby. Good mornin’, beautiful.” I hear Alden murmur to Luci. “How about a dry diaper and some breakfast?”

I listen as his feet pad through the house to the kitchen before dragging myself from the warm bed. Fall is in the air this morning, the last days of the summer from hell coming to an end.

The closer I get, I hear him singing. I stop in the hall, afraid if he hears me he will quit. He sounds amazing, his voice is intoxicating. Don’t tell him I said that, though.

The closer I get, I hear him singing. I stop in the hall, afraid if he hears me he’ll quit. He sounds amazing, his voice is intoxicating. Don’t tell him I said that, though.

He’s singing asI peek around the corner and watch as he sways, holding her close.

“You came along when I didn’t have a prayer; loving me, trusting me and believing I’d care. My resolve melts away with every breathe you take, smiling at me like I’m your everything. I can’t promise never to make a mistake, I can only pray that I don’t break. I’ll love you as best I can, ‘cause you make me want to be a better man.”

That right there is pure swoon-worthy, sweep me off my feet, slap my ass and call me ‘yours’ goodness. My heart races, making me catch my breath. Alden hears me and turns, smiling.

“I think she might like me after all.” His face is beaming as he gazes at her, pride filling him and making my eyes well with unshed tears.

I walk over to them, wrapping my arms around his waist. “She loves you. She always has, you just needed to let her.”

His eyes flicker to mine, teeming with emotion. “I’m trying.”

“I know you are, and you’re doing amazing.”

There’s a yearning in his gaze, and it rocks me to my core. I allow myself to get lost in this feeling that’s overwhelming and yet calming. He begins to sway again, his eyes locked with mine.

There, in the middle of the kitchen, not only do Alden and Luci bond, but I can feel it in my soul; a bond that will never be broken is formed. As much as I want this, I know all things come with trials.

And many errors.

The intensity of the moment becomes so surreal. I take a step back and crash into the here and now. Defense is my only option because falling in love was never part of the plan.

“I think we need to talk about starting her on some cereal.”

“How do we do that; do we ask her doctor?” He watches as I start some coffee.

“Umm, yeah. We can totally ask her and see if she thinks Luci’s old enough.” I giggle.

“What is it?” He half smiles.

“I’m old school, we just gave it to Theo when he was her age.”

He looks at Luci and back to me. “I trust you and if you say try it, we will.”

“Thank you, but since she isn’t mine, we better take the extra step to make sure it’s the best for her.” I rub her cheek as my eyes dart to him.

He’s frowning, and my stomach sinks. “Yeah, I suppose you’re right.”

“Did I do something?”

“Huh? No, not at all. Just thinking more than I should.” He fakes a smile.

His phone vibrates on the counter, and we both reach for it. “Oh, sorry. I was gonna hand it to you.”

His frown deepens. “It’s okay. I guess I need to get in the shower.”

“Is there something wrong?”

“No, not at all.” He cuts his eyes to his phone as it buzzes again. “I hate to go tonight.” He stares at the screen before shutting it off.